Pilot Study on the Impact of Gratitude Journaling or Cognitive Strategies on Health Care Workers

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental well-being of health care workers (HCWs). This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of two psychological interventions, gratitude journaling or cognitive strategies, on pediatric HCWs.Method: A pilot randomized parallel repeated measures design was used, with a convenience sample of 59 HCWs. Data were collected before and after the intervention period, 2 weeks after, and again 6 months later. Outcomes included depression, anxiety, meaning and purpose, feasibility, and acceptability.Results: Thirty-seven participants completed the study. The majority were nurses (registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses) and physicians. In both groups, depression and anxiety scores diminished, but changes were not statistically significant. The study was feasible to conduct, and subjects reported high acceptability.Discussion: Gratitude journaling and cognitive strategies may help mental well-being in HCWs; however, future studies with larger samples are needed. J Pediatr Health Care. (2023) 37, 414-424

Automated summary

This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of two psychological interventions on pediatric healthcare workers' mental well-being. The results showed that both gratitude journaling and cognitive strategies were associated with reduced depression and anxiety scores, although the changes were not statistically significant. This study highlights the importance of improving the mental health of healthcare workers, but further research with larger samples is needed.