Expressive Writing: An Intervention to Enhance Emotional Regulation, Sleep Quality, and Self-Compassion in Competitive Exam Aspirants

Adolescents preparing for competitive exams cope with identity crises, family pressure and emotional turmoil while shaping their careers in this crucial phase. Journaling shows promise in enhancing emotional regulation, sleep quality and fostering self-compassion. The current study evaluated expressive writing intervention customized for the entrance exam aspirants. A sample of 138 Joint entrance examination (JEE) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirants were selected from Surat, Gujarat, India. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=69) and the control group (n=69) conditions. Participants were asked to complete self-reports which involved the use of Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ–CA) to measure emotional regulation (ERQ–CA), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for quality of sleep (PSQI) and self-compassion scale (SCS) before and after the completion of the intervention. Results revealed that individuals in the intervention condition reported significant increases in emotional regulation (p < .001), quality of sleep (p < .05), and reduction in self-judgment (p < .001) in comparison to their counterparts in the comparison group. The intervention did not have a statistically significant effect on self-compassion. The study also highlights adopting a more holistic approach to student well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of emotional regulation and sleep quality. The results suggest that customized expressive writing interventions, such as journaling, can be incorporated into educational settings to support adolescents preparing for competitive exams. Schools and coaching centers could consider implementing such interventions to address emotional regulation and sleep quality issues commonly experienced by students during this critical phase.