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.
Inclusion Criteria
- German speaking
- Smartphone available and willingness to participate in repeated training units and questions delivered via app
- Clinically elevated anhedonia (SHAPS \>= 25) and elevated depression (DASS-21-Depression \>= 10), elevated anxiey (DASS-21-Anxiety \>= 6) or elevated stress (DASS-21-Stress \>= 10)
Exclusion Criteria
- Psychotropic medication
- Psychotherapy currently ongoing or planned during participation
- Suicidality, lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorders or psychotic episodes