Fostering a Sense of Control

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 137 views

The Effect of Expressive Writing on Decreased Future Anxiety in Medan High School Students

Introduction

The uncertain future often triggers anxiety, especially for high school students who are at an intersection between adolescence and young adults. They are faced with pressure to make career choices and ideal future, but accompanied by feelings of helplessness and fear that defeat hope. In the city of Medan, this phenomenon is quite pronounced. One method that can help relieve future anxiety is expressive writing or expressive writing. This study examines the effect of expressive writing on decreased future anxiety in high school students in Medan.

The Problem of Future Anxiety in High School Students

High school students are often faced with pressure to make career choices and ideal future, but accompanied by feelings of helplessness and fear that defeat hope. This can lead to future anxiety, which can have a negative impact on their mental health and well-being. In the city of Medan, this phenomenon is quite pronounced, with many students experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress. Expressive writing is one method that can help relieve future anxiety, by providing students with a safe and effective way to express their thoughts and feelings.

The Method of Expressive Writing

Expressive writing is a simple but effective tool that can help students overcome future anxiety. The method involves writing down their thoughts and feelings about the future, without the need to edit or censor themselves. This can help students to process their emotions and gain a new perspective on the challenges they face. By expressing feelings and thoughts that have been hidden, students can relieve stress and anxiety.

The Benefits of Expressive Writing for Students

*** Relieve Emotional Burden:** Expressive writing allows students to remove hidden emotions that can trigger anxiety, such as fear, uncertainty, and pressure. ** Improve Self-Understanding:** By writing about their worries and hopes, students can better understand their sources of anxiety and find more effective solutions. *** Fostering a Sense of Control:** Expressive writing provides an opportunity for students to take control of their thoughts and feelings, thereby reducing a sense of helplessness. ** Increasing Resilience:** Through Expressive writing, students can develop coping skills that help them deal with stress and future challenges.

The Effect of Expressive Writing on Future Anxiety

This study examines the effect of expressive writing on decreased future anxiety in high school students in Medan. The method used is experimental pretest-posttest with the control group. Ten students who experience future anxiety are involved in this study. Expressive writing is carried out for four days, each session lasts for 30 minutes. Data analysis using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test with the help of JASP, showed significant results with P = 0.008 (P <0.005). That is, there is a significant influence Expressive writing on decreased future anxiety in high school students.

Tips for Running Expressive Writing

*** Determine the Time and Place:** Choose a comfortable and calm time and place to write. *** Focus on Feelings:** Write down all the feelings that arise, without the need to edit or edit. *** Don't Be Afraid to Express:** Free yourself to write anything that comes to mind, without shame or fear. *** Consistent:** Do Expressive writing regularly, at least 2-3 times a week.

Conclusion

Expressive writing is a simple but effective tool to help students overcome future anxiety. By writing down their feelings and thoughts, students can gain calm and confidence to face a challenging future. This study shows the potential of expressive writing as an effective tool to help students overcome future anxiety. It is expected that students can apply Expressive writing as one of the strategies to reduce anxiety and build confidence in the face of the future.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Integrate Expressive Writing into School Curriculum: Expressive writing should be integrated into the school curriculum as a tool to help students overcome future anxiety.
Provide Training and Support: Teachers and counselors should provide training and support to students on how to use expressive writing effectively.
Encourage Regular Practice: Students should be encouraged to practice expressive writing regularly, at least 2-3 times a week.

By implementing these recommendations, schools can help students to overcome future anxiety and build confidence in the face of the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Expressive Writing and Future Anxiety

Q: What is expressive writing and how does it help with future anxiety?

A: Expressive writing is a simple but effective tool that involves writing down your thoughts and feelings about the future without editing or censoring yourself. This can help you process your emotions and gain a new perspective on the challenges you face, thereby reducing future anxiety.

Q: How does expressive writing differ from other forms of writing?

A: Expressive writing is different from other forms of writing in that it is not intended to be perfect or polished. It is a way to express yourself freely and honestly, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or syntax.

Q: Can anyone use expressive writing to overcome future anxiety?

A: Yes, anyone can use expressive writing to overcome future anxiety. It is a simple and accessible tool that can be used by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Q: How often should I practice expressive writing?

A: It is recommended to practice expressive writing regularly, at least 2-3 times a week. This can help you develop a habit of expressing yourself freely and honestly, and can also help you to process your emotions and gain a new perspective on the challenges you face.

Q: What are some tips for getting started with expressive writing?

A: Here are some tips for getting started with expressive writing:

Choose a comfortable and calm time and place to write.
Focus on your feelings and thoughts, rather than trying to write a perfect essay.
Don't be afraid to express yourself freely and honestly.
Write without editing or censoring yourself.
Practice regularly, at least 2-3 times a week.

Q: Can expressive writing be used in conjunction with other therapies or treatments?

A: Yes, expressive writing can be used in conjunction with other therapies or treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. It is a complementary tool that can be used to help you process your emotions and gain a new perspective on the challenges you face.

Q: Is expressive writing a substitute for professional help?

A: No, expressive writing is not a substitute for professional help. If you are experiencing severe anxiety or other mental health issues, it is essential to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

Q: Can expressive writing be used to help with other mental health issues, such as depression or trauma?

A: Yes, expressive writing can be used to help with other mental health issues, such as depression or trauma. It is a flexible and adaptable tool that can be used to help you process your emotions and gain a new perspective on the challenges you face.

Q: How can I find a qualified therapist or counselor who can help me with expressive writing?

A: You can find a qualified therapist or counselor who can help you with expressive writing by:

Asking your primary care physician for a referral.
Checking with your insurance provider to see if they cover mental health services.
Searching online for therapists or counselors in your area.
Asking friends or family members for recommendations.

Q: What are some resources for learning more about expressive writing and future anxiety?

A: Here are some resources for learning more about expressive writing and future anxiety:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website: www.nami.org
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) website: www.adaa.org
The Expressive Writing Institute website: www.expressivewriting.org
The Journal of Expressive Writing: www.journalofexpressivewriting.org

By using expressive writing and seeking professional help when needed, you can overcome future anxiety and build confidence in the face of the future.