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

In this age of sending instant messages and receiving even faster responses, the art of writing letters would appear ancient to most of us living with the speed of milliseconds outside these doors. But what if taking pen to paper-and the flow of thoughts flowing-became more than the simple act of nostalgia? Maybe it carries some underlying, unexplored psychological rewards no instant message, electronic letter, or text can rival?

The Therapeutic Act of Writing

Writing a letter is a pure art. The art of selecting words, compiling sentences, and reflecting on emotions occupies the mind quite profoundly. For these reasons, psychologists have long prescribed keeping a journal and writing out thoughts as a means of therapy for their patients. This is most helpful when one needs to work through difficult emotions or traumas.

Letter writing tends to encourage introspection and clarity, thus allowing a connection of thoughts to feelings. Letters require patience and being thoughtful as opposed to a quick text. In writing, we'll slow down while being cognizant of the message and who is receiving it. Such mindfulness can reduce anxiety and help in building emotional regulation, similar to uses of journaling.

Strengthening Emotional Connection

A handwritten letter is intimate in a way digital communication rarely achieves: the stationery, the handwriting style, even imperfections---like crossed-out words or smudges---carry the personality of the writer. This is tangibility, creating a closeness and strengthening of bonds between people. 

According to Psychological Science, the physical act of receiving a letter-holding and reading it and maybe storing it-triggers a deeper emotional response than reading a message on a screen, building more emotional connections than digital messages ever could (Kross & Ayduk, 2011).
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The Psychology of Anticipation

Unlike an instant message, letters require patience. This creates the feeling of anticipation which, psychologically can lead to happiness. With repeated and compulsive repetition, researchers eventually found the involvement of brain activities in rewarding systems. By rewarding yourself while anticipating a positive event, for instance, the brain releases neurotransmitters that are associated with receiving pleasure. This release explains through dopamine why the wait can actually be so thrilling. Same as waiting for a reply to letters, there is a quiet joy in it that enhances appreciation, satisfaction, and replaces rushed text replies.

Reconnection in a Disconnected World

Letters offer a chance, amidst an over-inundation with rapid notifications and shallow interactivities in this world, to slow down and reconnect. Sherry Turkle goes so far as to say in Reclaiming Conversation that this feeling of constant connectivity erodes emotional depth in our communications (Turkle 2015). Writing or receiving such a letter would reduce some levels of loneliness and isolation because the feelings of being seen and valued would be deeply conveyed.

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.