This research proposal aims to explore the impact of poem writing on the well-being of
adult volunteers serving patients recovering from mental illness in Hong Kong.The
research design was a single-arm intervention study with 30 participants. The
intervention consists of two sessions of poem writing, each lasting for 3 hours, led by
experienced Chinese teachers or drama directors. The themes of the poems will focus on
accomplishment, joy, and gratitude.
The primary outcomes are mental well-being and happiness, measured using the Short
Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and a single-item happiness scale. Feasibility
outcomes include recruitment rate, retention rate, and acceptability of the
interventions. Secondary outcomes include depressive symptoms, anxiety, interest in poem
writing, perceived benefits after the activity, and the number of successfully written
poems.
Moreover, the proposal includes plans for in-depth interviews with participants to gather
qualitative data. The results will be analyzed descriptively and narratively, with no
efficacy statistical tests due to the nature of this feasibility study.
Apart from that, the process evaluation will be done by the instructors after the end of
the second class, including the teachers, speakers and the leaders of each group. This
act aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using the app in creating and writing poems, as
well as the feelings after class on the instructors. An evaluation analysis will be made
after the collection of data.
The proposal underscores the potential of poem writing as a therapeutic tool for
volunteers serving patients recovering from mental illness, enhancing their overall
well-being. Poem writing not only allows volunteers to express their thoughts, emotions,
and experiences, but also enhances their self-esteem by validating their feelings and
providing a sense of accomplishment. Volunteers working with individuals recovering from
mental illness often encounter intense emotions. Writing poems allows them to channel
these emotions constructively, preventing burnout and fostering resilience. Furthermore,
the act of creating poems can be joyful and fulfilling. Volunteers experience a sense of
flow, where time seems to disappear as they immerse themselves in the creative process.
Lastly, incorporating poem writing into volunteer programs can be a powerful tool for
enhancing both the volunteers' and the patients' well-being, self-esteem, and emotional
resilience. Volunteers can find solace, connection, and purpose through their poetic
expressions, ultimately benefiting both themselves and the individuals they serve.