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Positive Journal Writing Across Multicultural Contexts: A Protocol for Practice

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Book cover Positive Psychological Intervention Design and Protocols for Multi-Cultural Contexts

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to offer a self-directed, evidence-based, positive psychological intervention protocol for positive journaling. Specifically, the chapter proposes that effective positive journaling interventions require at least four distinct phases: (1) exposure to a range of positive emotions and discussion of these emotions in context; (2) offering an initial guided/structured writing intervention over three days in the form of a ‘positive journal’; (3) follow up support and discussion of the intervention to evaluate suitability; and finally (4) if appropriate, directing the client towards self-directed ‘ownership’ of this tool by encouraging the maintenance of a regular positive journal practice. In recommending this protocol, the present chapter draws upon extant qualitative and quantitative studies in support of positive writing, as well as highlighting its potential value across multi-cultural contexts. Also offered is a theoretical reflection upon the ways in which such a tool might be further developed to incorporate broader aspects of the field of positive psychology, beyond positive emotions, such as self-compassion or character strengths.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK

    Megan Christine Hayes

  2. Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University (VTC), Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

    Llewellyn Ellardus Van Zyl

  3. Department of Industrial Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology , Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    Llewellyn Ellardus Van Zyl

Authors
  1. Megan Christine Hayes
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  2. Llewellyn Ellardus Van Zyl
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Correspondence to Megan Christine Hayes .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Human Performance Management Group, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands

    Llewellyn Ellardus Van Zyl

  2. Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

    Sebastiaan Rothmann Sr.

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Hayes, M.C., Van Zyl, L.E. (2019). Positive Journal Writing Across Multicultural Contexts: A Protocol for Practice. In: Van Zyl, L., Rothmann Sr., S. (eds) Positive Psychological Intervention Design and Protocols for Multi-Cultural Contexts. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-20020-6_19

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