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The impact of self-affirmation exercises on emotional distress among Chinese emerging adults
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Citation
Wong, T. Y., & Yuen, W. Y. (27 Jun 2025). The impact of self-affirmation exercises on emotional distress among Chinese emerging adults. Positive Psychology 2.0 International Conference 2025 (PP 2.0 2025), Tung Wah College, Hong Kong.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Navigating the transitional stage of emerging adulthood often presents significant emotional challenges, particularly in Chinese culture where self-worth is heavily tied to external validation. This study examines the impact of online self-affirmation writing exercises on emotional distress among Chinese emerging adults, a population facing intense academic, work and social pressures. A total of 42 participants, aged 18 to 29, were randomly assigned to either a self-affirmation group or a control group on 1:1 ratio. Participants in the self-affirmation group engaged in 15-minutes writing exercises across 2 time points, within 3 days affirming their core values and positive personal attributes respectively, while the control group completed writing tasks about their least important personal attributes and values.
Emotional distress, including aspects of depression, anxiety, and stress, was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) at baseline and post-intervention. Results from an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant interaction effect (F(3,38) = 18.02, p< .001, ηp² = .59), which suggests significant reductions in depression when controlling for baseline depression level for the self-affirmation group compared to the control group For stress, a significant interaction effect (F(1,38) = 6.16, p = .018, ηp² = .14) suggests that selfaffirmation may have a buffering effect, that the stress level increase in the control group was significantly higher than the experimental group. No significant interaction effects were found for anxiety (p>.05). Qualitative responses from the self-affirmation group highlighted positive self-reflection and traits, including honesty ("When a cashier gave me extra change, I returned it immediately"), empathy ("I initiated a conversation to support a colleague who seemed down"), perseverance ("Even after being diagnosed with emotional issues, I did not give up on myself"), and kindness ("I try to understand others’ perspectives and respond with friendliness"). These reflections emphasize the role of self-affirmation in fostering positive self-perception and emotional regulation.
The findings from this study highlight the potential of brief online self-affirmation exercises as a culturally sensitive, cost-effective intervention for reducing depression and buffering stress among Chinese emerging adults. Further research is needed to explore its mechanisms and broader implications for emotional well-being.
Emotional distress, including aspects of depression, anxiety, and stress, was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) at baseline and post-intervention. Results from an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant interaction effect (F(3,38) = 18.02, p< .001, ηp² = .59), which suggests significant reductions in depression when controlling for baseline depression level for the self-affirmation group compared to the control group For stress, a significant interaction effect (F(1,38) = 6.16, p = .018, ηp² = .14) suggests that selfaffirmation may have a buffering effect, that the stress level increase in the control group was significantly higher than the experimental group. No significant interaction effects were found for anxiety (p>.05). Qualitative responses from the self-affirmation group highlighted positive self-reflection and traits, including honesty ("When a cashier gave me extra change, I returned it immediately"), empathy ("I initiated a conversation to support a colleague who seemed down"), perseverance ("Even after being diagnosed with emotional issues, I did not give up on myself"), and kindness ("I try to understand others’ perspectives and respond with friendliness"). These reflections emphasize the role of self-affirmation in fostering positive self-perception and emotional regulation.
The findings from this study highlight the potential of brief online self-affirmation exercises as a culturally sensitive, cost-effective intervention for reducing depression and buffering stress among Chinese emerging adults. Further research is needed to explore its mechanisms and broader implications for emotional well-being.
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