Actively Recruiting
Ecological Momentary Intervention for Reward in Anhedonia
Led by Philipps University Marburg · Updated on 2026-01-09
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a two-week ecological momentary intervention (EMI) aimed at reducing anhedonia and psychological distress such as depression, stress, and anxiety. Anhedonia, the reduced ability to experience pleasure, is common in various psychological disorders and is linked to impaired reward processing. This study compares a reward-focused intervention with progressive muscle relaxation to understand their effects on improving reward-related functions and mental well-being. Participants are randomly assigned to either the reward training group or the active control group. The reward training group completes three daily exercises delivered via a smartphone app, which include positive mental imagery, savoring, gratitude, silver lining, and taking ownership of positive experiences. The control group receives progressive muscle relaxation training with two guided relaxation sessions and one reflection session daily. Both interventions last for two weeks and are presented through audio recordings on the app. During the study, participants complete ecological momentary assessments (EMA) three times daily alongside the exercises to track mood, activity, and psychological symptoms. Researchers measure changes in anhedonia, depression, anxiety, stress, reward sensitivity, and other emotional and cognitive factors at baseline, after two weeks, and at a three-month follow-up. Safety and negative effects are also monitored. The total participation duration includes the two-week intervention and follow-up assessments to evaluate lasting effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Ecological Momentary Intervention for Reward in Anhedonia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Speak German
- Have a smartphone and be willing to use an app for repeated training and questions
- Have clinically elevated anhedonia (SHAPS >= 25)
- Have elevated depression (DASS-21 Depression >= 10), or elevated anxiety (DASS-21 Anxiety >= 6), or elevated stress (DASS-21 Stress >= 10)
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently taking psychotropic medication
- Currently in psychotherapy or planning to start during participation
- Suicidality or history of bipolar disorder or psychotic episodes
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote) for eligibility assessment and baseline measures
Duration - 1 day
Participants attend a session to learn about their assigned training program and practice each exercise before starting the intervention.
1 visit (in-person or remote) the day before the intervention starts
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants complete a two-week behavioral intervention via a smartphone app. The experimental group completes three daily training units targeting reward processing, while the control group completes three daily relaxation and reflection units.
Daily app-based exercises with three brief training sessions each day (morning, afternoon, and evening)
Duration - Up to 3 months after treatment
Participants are assessed for changes in anhedonia, psychological distress, and other outcomes up to three months after completing the intervention.
1 visit at 2 weeks (end of intervention) and 1 visit at 3 months post-intervention
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Philipps-University Marburg
Marburg, Hesse, Germany, 35037
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Martin J Skopp, M.Sc.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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