Comparison of Two Ecological Momentary Intervention Modules for Treatment of Depression on Momentary Positive and Negative Affect
Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMI), comprising repeated self-assessments in daily life, have shown promise as intervention strategy for depression. Whether the content of such assessments influences affect has hardly received attention. The ZELF-i study consists of two EMA intervention (EMI) modules, enabling us to compare the impact of EMI content on the course of momentary affect during the intervention. Methods: ZELF-i is an add-on to depression treatment comprising intensive self-monitoring (5x/day, 28 days) and weekly personalized feedback. Patients with depressive complaints (N = 110; Mean age = 32.9, SD = 12.2; 44.5% male) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment modules focusing on activities and positive affect (“Do”) or on thoughts and negative affect (“Think”). Linear mixed models showed no significant (p > .18) differences between the two modules on both positive and negative affect over time. Across modules positive affect showed an initial decreasing trend, leveling off towards the end of the intervention period. Negative affect did not change significantly over time (p > .06). In our sample, the focus of the EMI did not impact momentary affect beyond any general effect of systematic self-monitoring. This means that a focus on negative affect instead of more general self-monitoring may not lead to added adverse effects on mood, which is an often voiced concern when using EMA in both research and clinical practice.Keywords: Depression, Ecological Momentary Assessment, Affect, Measurement Reactivity, Emotions, Pragmatic Clinical Trial