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Table 1 Daily writing directions

From: Novel online daily diary interventions for nonsuicidal self-injury: a randomized controlled trial

Group

Directions

ASET

Now we’d like you to think about a specific positive characteristic you showed today. It doesn’t have to be a big thing -- small things count too! Opening a door open for someone, for instance, is a good example of thoughtfulness.

Think back and come up with a specific example. Were you kind, or loyal, or funny? How about being a good friend or a good listener? So long as it is a positive characteristic you showed today, it counts!

On the next screen, we would like you to spend around 5 min writing about the positive event you just thought about. As you write try and be as specific as you can and tell us:

What happened?

How did you feel?

Was anyone else involved? If so, how do you think they felt?

Are there other examples of times you showed these qualities?

The focus of your writing should be on what you did that made you feel good about yourself.

All of your writing is COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL. No one is judging you. And don’t worry about spelling, sentence structure, or grammar. The only rule is that once you begin writing, you write continuously for about 5 min.

EW

Now we’d like you to think about something that has been on your mind or has concerned or worried you today.

On the next screen, we would like you to write for around 5 min about a moment from TODAY that’s been on your mind or bothered you in some way. Just use this opportunity to explore your emotions and thoughts about your chosen moment. You might write about:

Anything stressful you’re currently experiencing

Your relationships with others, including parents, lovers, friends, or relatives

Anything concerning your past, your present, or your future

Who you have been, who you would like to be, or who you are now

The focus of your writing should be on your emotions and thoughts about anything from today.

All of your writing is COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL. No one is judging you. And don’t worry about spelling, sentence structure, or grammar. The only rule is that once you begin writing, you write continuously for about 5 min.

JNL

Now we’d like you to think about how you spent your time today.

On the next screen, we would like you to write for 5 min about how you spent your time TODAY. Do NOT include any emotions, feelings or opinions in your writing. Instead, we’d like for you to write in a factual, descriptive way.

The focus of your writing should be on the factual aspects of your day’s events and activities.

All of your writing is COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL. No one is judging you. And don’t worry about spelling, sentence structure, or grammar. The only rule is that once you begin writing, you write continuously for about 5 min.