Anonymity Strategies for Self-Distancing in Gen Z’s Therapeutic Writing: Shifting from Pathology to Healing Capacity

This study empirically examined the effects of anonymity on self-distancing-based therapeutic writing among Gen Z university students. Unlike previous research that interpreted Gen Z's preference for anonymity as a pathological symptom, this study reconceptualized anonymity as a therapeutic resource that enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic writing. A total of 126 students enrolled in a writing course at W University and performed self-distancing therapeutic writing three times each under both real-name and anonymous conditions over six weeks. Self-distancing is an emotion regulation writing method that involves describing experiences from an external observer's perspective through third-person self-reference. The results revealed that under anonymous conditions: 1) writing volume and narrative specificity increased significantly, 2) negative emotions were expressed more freely with authentic self-disclosure, 3) consistent use of third-person self-reference was maintained more effectively, facilitating self-distancing, 4) deeper reflection leading to meaning-making and insight was observed, and 5) emotional stability and self-understanding were enhanced. This study confirms that anonymity is a powerful strategy for facilitating self-distancing-based therapeutic writing among Gen Z university students, suggesting that Gen Z's preference for anonymity can be utilized as a healing capacity rather than a pathological symptom.