The psychological method that often explains why journaling and reflection are effective is called "self-regulation theory." This theory posits that individuals have the ability to control their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Journaling helps in this process by providing a structured way to:

Set Goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve.

Monitor Behavior: Keep track of actions and thoughts related to those goals.

Evaluate Progress: Assess how well you're doing in relation to your goals.

Adjust Strategies: Make changes to your approach if needed.