Last modified: 2023-10-27
Abstract
In an era of constant disruptions, the mental health of students is a growing concern. Educators and researchers are seeking strategies to alleviate academic pressures and enhance student wellbeing. This study explores the potential of creative writing as a space for enhancing students wellbeing, especially in terms of emotional and social wellbeing. This qualitative study involved students enrolled in a Creative Writing course in English as a Foreign Language context. Data were collected from students through open-ended survey and students’ poems and stories written in class. The findings reveal that the creative writing process, which includes observation, self-reflection, imagination, and the artful expression of emotional experiences, equips students with valuable tools for navigating adversity and asserting their self-positioning. Moreover, creative writing nurtures empathetic communities through collaborative writing projects and weekly story and poem sharing. These collaborative activities cultivate a supportive environment, fostering mutual respect and alleviating feelings of isolation.