Strengthening self-continuity to reduce depressive symptoms and derailment: A multiphasic mixed-methods randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Mental Health
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Emerging adulthood is a key developmental stage for identity formation.
• Disruptions in identity continuity (derailment) are linked to increased depression.
• Strengthening temporal-identity processes may alleviate depressive symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test a narrative journaling intervention aimed at enhancing self-continuity.
• To reduce depressive symptoms in emerging adults by targeting identity derailment.

Main Methods:

• Phase 1: Assessed baseline links between derailment, self-continuity, and depression (N=242).
• Phase 2: Randomized controlled trial (N=112) comparing a derailment-focused intervention to a neutral journaling control.
• Phase 3: Explored intervention effects through thematic analysis of participant narratives.

Main Results:

• The journaling intervention group showed reduced derailment, increased self-continuity, and lower depressive symptoms compared to controls.
• These benefits were sustained at 2-month follow-up.
• Early improvements in self-continuity mediated the intervention's effect on depressive symptoms and derailment.

Conclusions:

• A derailment-focused journaling intervention effectively reduces depressive symptoms and identity derailment.
• Enhanced self-continuity appears to be a key mechanism driving these positive outcomes.
• Self-continuity is a promising target for future research on depression interventions.