<![CDATA[International students experience different stressors in host countries, stressors related to acculturation, academic pressure, and social integration. Adversely affecting their mental health. Studies addressed the significance of coping strategies as a tool for managing stress and relieving distress feelings. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a digital journaling intervention in reducing perceived stress among this population. Based on Pennebaker’s expressive writing theory, the program employed a one-week intervention using the "Unstuck" CBT-based journaling app with four first-semester international students in Indonesia. A mixed methods approach was used, with pre- and post-test measurements via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and qualitative feedback discussions. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed no significant difference in stress scores post-intervention (p=0.357), likely due to the extremely small sample size limiting statistical power. However, a descriptive trend indicated reduced stress for three of the four participants. Qualitatively, participants reported increased self-awareness and emotional clarity, highlighting journaling's role in facilitating emotional disclosure and self-discovery. The study concludes that while digital journaling shows promise as a low-cost, accessible tool for promoting self-reflection, its measurable impact on stress reduction requires further investigation with a larger sample, longer intervention duration, and a controlled research design.]]>
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