The present study evaluates a two week ecological momentary intervention (EMI) in reducing anhedonia and psychological distress (i.e. elevated depression, stress and anxiety). Participants in the experimental group complete three daily exercises targeting reward-related processes, including positive mental imagery, savoring, gratitude, taking ownership for positive experience, and silver lining. These components were selected to improve reward anticipation as well as reward consumption and reward learning as the underlying mechanisms of anhedonia. An active control group receives progressive muscle relaxation training, matched in format and frequency. Exercise units are presented using audio recordings via smartphone app.
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Change in anhedonia/hedonic capacity; measured with the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) from baseline to post-intervention and baseline to 3-months follow-up
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (completion of intervention) and 3 months
Change in depression, anxiety and stress; measured with the Depression-Anxiety-Stress-Scale (DASS-21) from baseline to completion and baseline to follow-up
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 weeks (completion of intervention) and 3 months