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POCEMAS

A Processes-of-change-Ecological-Momentary-Assessment-Study

The scientific purpose of diagnoses of psychiatric syndromes no longer leads to further useful knowledge. Accordingly, in recent years, there has been an increased focus on the direct study of change processes associated with clinical outcomes and therapy goals. The Process-Based Assessment Tool measures and analyzes psychological processes at high temporal density in an integrative and idiographic way and allows clinicians and researchers to use individual items or groups of items for the purpose of individual-focused research and practice.

The aim of the research projects within the framework of POCEMAS is to examine psychosocial change processes captured by the PBAT in everyday life and associations to clinically relevant outcomes and biometric data. Subsequently, we examine which characteristics of change are most predictive of relevant clinical outcomes. In addition, we examine the extent to which psychological processes are associated with specific brain activities and structures as well as cognitive flexibility.

To this end, longitudinal data on psychological processes as well as other parameters of well-being (e.g., core affect, psychological stress, sleep) are measured during daily life as part of an Ecological Momentary Assessment design. In addition, biometric data are collected via fitness trackers (Garmin Vivosmart 4) during the EMA period to objectively measure psychosocial processes. In addition to longitudinal data collection, data on clinical characteristics (for example, depression, stress, psychological flexibility, COVID...) are collected to relate these to psychological processes. Furthermore, subjects will undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and perform the Stroop switching task.

Project management: Marlon Westhoff