A Cornell psychology study found that journaling about identity and life story may help reduce depression symptoms in young adults.
The study involved more than 100 people ages 18 to 29 who were experiencing moderate to severe depression, according to the Cornell Chronicle.
Participants who reflected on their life story and identities reported significantly reduced symptoms two months later compared with a control group, researchers said.
The two-week exercise asked participants to respond to prompts about motivations, passions or goals at different life stages, including early childhood, middle school, high school, college and their desired future.
Researchers said the approach could be a low-cost complement to therapy for young adults who are open to reflecting on their past, present and future identities. They also cautioned it may be less helpful for people prone to ruminating on negative experiences.
The study was published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.
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