Tane Kim
Irvington High School
Abstract
This study explores the impact of publicizing one’s creative work, or in simpler terms, undergoing the publication process, on the mental health of young writers, a topic that has received little attention in academic research. The criteria for what constitutes “being published” can vary widely, from traditional book and journal publications to posts on personal blogs or social media platforms. This variability adds a layer of complexity to studying the publication phase in the modern digital age, which we’ve decided to address by counting all forms of sharing work publicly (not in a closed group setting)–from open mics to social media self-publication–as a form of artistic expression and vulnerability to a broader audience, which is the heart of publication. In the context of this study, the concept of publication and sharing one’s work publicly are used interchangeably. Through a large-scale survey of predominantly young, published writers, this research investigates how the processes of sharing one’s artistic work influences self-reported mental wellbeing. The study reveals that publication plays a crucial role in enhancing self-confidence, motivation, self-expression, and a sense of belonging within the literary community for young writers. The findings not only expand our understanding of the long-established therapeutic relationship between creative writing and mental health but also underscores the transformative power of publication in the lives of young writers, an extension of the writing process that has yet to be studied. It calls for a more supportive and inclusive literary culture that recognizes and actively supports the mental health of young writers through encouragement towards publication and the provision of platforms for sharing their work.
