Expressing gratitude via instant communication technology: A randomized controlled trial targeting college students' mental health

The present study used a randomized controlled research design to test an adaptation of the gratitude letter-writing-and-visit intervention, using notes instead of letters and instant communication technology instead of personal visits, for the purposes of improving college students (N = 115) mental health. The gratitude-based intervention condition was tested in comparison to two active control conditions, one using instant communication technology to send notes to others regarding something they learned recently and another that privately journaled about something they learned recently. Participants in all conditions were instructed to engage in the exercise three times a day for two weeks. Results indicated that, compared to the active control conditions, the gratitude-based intervention had greater positive effects on optimism and school connectedness, but that it also had small iatrogenic effects on depression and gratitude. Furthermore, findings indicated that both active control conditions showed positive effects across several subjective wellbeing and psychological distress indicators. Implications for future research and practice for promoting college students' mental health are discussed.