The Psychology of Pen and Paper: Reviving the Lost Art of Letter Writing

For some in any mental health challenge, writing letters could be the way toward getting them to express those emotions which may be too outlandish to say straight and face-to-face. This is a safe and reflective avenue to share vulnerabilities with empathy.

Reviving a Lost Tradition

The psychology of letter writing reminds us that the power of slow, thoughtful communication can forge meaningful relationships. Perhaps now is a good time to re-embrace this "lost art." Start small: write a thank-you note to a friend, a love letter to a partner, or even a reflective letter to your future self. 

The beauty of letter writing is not in the words you send but in the emotions you uncover while you write them. In a world that's often too fast, letters invite us to slow down and savor the beauty of connection.

References:

Kross, E., & Ayduk, O. (2011). Making Meaning out of Negative Experiences by Self-Distancing, Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(3), 187-191.

Turkle, S. (2015). Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. Penguin Press.