University of Twente Student Theses

Exploring the effect of self-monitoring of grief reactions in recently bereaved people on depression by means of experience sampling methodology : a randomized controlled trial

Halle, Roos ter (2023) Exploring the effect of self-monitoring of grief reactions in recently bereaved people on depression by means of experience sampling methodology : a randomized controlled trial.

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Abstract:	Background: A small number of people develop depression after losing a loved one. In regard to that, experience sampling methodology (ESM) has shown to increase self-monitoring and self-insight. This in turn can elicit empowerment to get more involved in the treatment of depression and in the process of becoming healthier (van Os et al., 2017). The objective of this study was to examine whether utilizing ESM for self-monitoring of grief reactions would result in a reduction of depressive symptoms. This was compared to individuals in a waitlist control group, who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Method: Seventy Dutch adults, bereaved three to six months earlier, were randomly allocated to the ESM condition (n = 28) or the waitlist control condition (n = 42). Telephone interviews were conducted to assess depressive symptoms at baseline, post-ESM, and post-waiting period. The interviews consisted of questionnaires such as PHQ-9 to assess depressive symptoms. Participants in the ESM condition received five assessments per day for a period of two weeks. The ESM questions consisted of 11 prolonged grief items and six contextual items. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to analyse depression levels between the two studied groups. Results: ANCOVA revealed no significant differences in depression symptoms between the ESM condition and the waitlist condition after ESM or waiting while taking baseline depression levels into account (F(1, 69) = 0.46, p < .50). Discussion: The key finding was that there is no difference regarding depression levels between participants who participated in ESM and participants who waited. Previous studies have shown the influence of reactivity effects. People are more aware of themselves and learn from the study they participate in (Capellan et al., 2017). It could have been the case that the participation in this study could have influenced depressive symptoms of participants – no matter which condition they were allocated to.
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/96888
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