Pen and paper: a new weapon against intern stress?

NCT ID NCT06238141

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 5 times

Summary

This study tested whether expressive writing—writing about stressful events—can reduce stress and improve work engagement in Chinese nursing interns. 52 interns were split into two groups: one wrote about stressful experiences, the other wrote about neutral topics. Both groups wrote twice a week for nine weeks. Researchers measured stress levels, coping styles, and work engagement to see if expressive writing made a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
expressive writing
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, free tool for nursing interns to manage stress and feel more engaged at work.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early study with only 52 participants. The results may not apply to other groups or settings, and the effect may be small or temporary.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Stress, Psychological

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Changzhi Medical College

    Changzhi, Shanxi, China

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