University of Twente Student Theses
The Effects of Positive Psychology, Cognitive Restructuring and Acceptance Interventions on Emotion Regulation : A Micro-Randomised Trial
Krähling, H.M. (2025) The Effects of Positive Psychology, Cognitive Restructuring and Acceptance Interventions on Emotion Regulation : A Micro-Randomised Trial.
|
PDF
846kB |
| Abstract: | Background: Many therapeutic traditions target emotion regulation strategies to treat mental disorders. However, the working mechanisms of their interventions are largely unexplored. Specifically, Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMI) delivered in everyday life could provide dynamic and context-sensitive emotion regulation support. By examining the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy, positive psychology and acceptance and commitment therapy EMIs on the strategies of positive reappraisal, savouring, gratitude, and acceptance, this study aims to provide insights into different therapeutic working mechanisms. Method: Seventy-two participants took part in a 23-day micro-randomised trial including a 16-day intervention period featuring Gratitude, Savouring, Cognitive Restructuring and Acceptance EMIs. Emotion regulation strategies were assessed on a distal (pre- and post-intervention) and proximal (Ecological Momentary Assessments 30 minutes following each EMI) level. For the analysis, Linear Mixed-Effects Models were used. Results: Participants improved in distal gratitude (p=.023) and decreased in experiential avoidance (p=.014). Concerning proximal changes, the Gratitude EMI and the Savouring EMI affected all emotion regulation strategies, improving savouring, gratitude, positive reappraisal and experiential avoidance. The Acceptance EMI affected experiential avoidance and the Cognitive Restructuring EMI affected gratitude and positive reappraisal. Conclusion: Underscoring the effectiveness of EMIs on emotion regulation, the Savouring and Gratitude EMI broadly enhanced emotion regulation, while the Cognitive Restructuring and Acceptance EMI targeted specific strategies. These differences suggest opportunities for personalised treatment, enhancing either specific strategies or overall emotion regulation. Moreover, future comparative research is needed, especially exploring the conceptual basis of savouring and gratitude. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/105171 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page