Journaling to increase cultural intelligence

At this time of year many of us are writing.  In journals and notebooks and blogs people are recording their hopes, dreams and plans for the New Year. 

There’s a significant amount of research which points to the power of writing with benefits ranging from increases in well-being, decreases in ill health, greater goal achievement and self efficacy. 

James Pennebaker recorded the therapeutic effects of writing for people who had experienced trauma.  Lara King studied the impact of writing focusing on positive changes (my ideal self) and Positive Psychology researchers have found a number of interventions involving writing which are linked to increases in well-being and mental health (gratitude letters, 3 good things exercise). 

The mechanisms credited for creating these effects include self-efficacy, self regulation, emotional distancing, motivational exploration, mindfulness, savouring and the possibilities of more complex linguistic aspects such as Pennebaker’s preposition use indicating changed social perspectives.  A number of these same mechanisms are indicated in high cultural intelligence. 

For years intercultural trainers have advised expats, sojourners and migrants to journal their observations and responses to new cultures.  Intuitively it makes sense that keeping a journal would help as people work to adapt and adjust.  Anecdotally people report benefits and observe growth and development through their writing.  But is the benefit from the writing itself or journaling your experiences and what journaling processes would benefit most?

 My question really is “What journaling habits would impact on cultural intelligence and why”?

 It would seem logical that journaling about goals and dreams would impact on CQDrive; recording of aspects learnt and observed would impact on CQ Knowledge; reviewing of interactions and thinking about the cultural differences which may be operating would impact on CQ Strategy and recording of actions taken and behaviours changed would impact on CQ Action.     

 What are your thoughts?  Have you kept a journal as you have adapted to another culture?  What was the nature of your journal writing?  What did you find most helpful?