A grounded theory investigation of journalL writing

Abstract

Although the practice of journal writing has existed for centuries, it is a little understood and highly understudied G area in the psychological literature. Attempts have been made to describe the benefits and drawbacks of this practice and to highlight the factors involved when an individual begins and maintains a journal. However, these efforts have been philosophical, anecdotal or testimonial. The present study is based on the grounded theory method. This is a discovery model of research which aims to generate theory that is grounded in data. To accomplish this goal, there is an exploration for processes. More specifically, there is a search for a basic social psychological process (BSPP) that accounts for all or most of the variation observed in the individuals involved in the particular phenomenon under study. Unstructured interviews were conducted with six individuals who had been journal writers for a minimum of one year. Recreating Self was the basic social psychological process found. This is a process whereby the journal writer resolves the basic problem of dissatisfaction with self by initiating changes in his or her behaviors, attitudes, and/or circumstances. The process consists of four stages: (a) Focusing on Self, (b) Exploring Options, (c) Composting, and (d) Maintaining Self. This model conceptualizes the cumulative and recursive process involved in the journal writer's cultivation of experiences and participation in self-development.