Chapter 1: The Therapeutic Value of Writing

Many people recognize the healing benefits of journaling. While some may not adhere strictly to traditional journaling practices, the act of writing can serve as a powerful outlet for emotions. However, merely jotting down negative thoughts may not suffice. Researchers Yuta Kanaya and Nobuyuki Kawai suggest taking an additional step: disposing of those written thoughts.

According to their study, physically discarding a piece of paper containing written reflections on upsetting events can help alleviate feelings of anger, unlike merely holding onto it. The researchers enlisted university students for their experiment. Participants wrote essays on contemporary social issues, such as smoking in public, only to receive intentionally low evaluations based on criteria like intelligence and logic, coupled with negative feedback.

The evaluation utilized a 9-point scale, with all participants receiving low ratings: intelligence = 3, interest = 3, friendliness = 2, logic = 3, respectability = 4, and rationality = 3. Additionally, a critical comment was provided: “I cannot believe an educated person would think like this. I hope this person learns something while at the university.”

Following this experience, students documented their thoughts and emotions related to the negative feedback. They were instructed to reflect from their own perspective, particularly focusing on the triggers of their feelings.

To facilitate honest expression, participants were assured their writings would remain confidential. After completing their reflections, half were instructed to crumple and discard their papers or shred them, while the other half stored their writings in a box on their desks.

The findings revealed that those who disposed of their writings reported a return to an emotional state more akin to their feelings before receiving the negative feedback, despite initial increases in anger. This suggests that articulating one’s thoughts and then physically releasing them can effectively reduce emotional distress.

Ultimately, the process allows individuals to externalize their feelings in a safe manner, and through the act of discarding, they can symbolically let go of their emotional burdens. This may offer a tangible way to "release" emotions, leading to a reduction in inner turmoil.

So, what do you think? Could this method truly facilitate emotional healing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The first video titled "Set yourself free with a throw-away or burn journal" explores techniques for managing negative emotions through creative disposal methods.

Chapter 2: Creative Expression and Emotional Release

The second video, "ROBLOX WRITE A LETTER," discusses how writing can serve as a therapeutic tool in various contexts, including gaming environments.