Positive Psychological Changes by Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management with Writing and Sharing Experiences in Individuals with Chronic Mental Illness: A Qualitative Study

Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of benefit finding, cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM), and expressive writing, this study qualitatively explored positive psychological changes in a group psychotherapeutic program for individuals with chronic mental illness. Participants attended weekly 90-minute small-group sessions. Positive psychological changes through participation were elicited through semi-structured interviews and an open-ended questionnaire item, and the data were analyzed qualitatively. Of the 14 valid participants, 10 were men, and the average age was 42.6 years. It yielded six categories: “Thinking positively,” “Having goals and working on something,” “Self-understanding and cherishing one’s worth,” “Realizing connections with others,” “Having a feeling of reassurance,” and “Realizing that I am not the only one suffering.” This group-based approach can enhance various positive psychological changes in individuals with chronic mental illnesses.