Exploring the Dynamics of Emotions: Combining the Experience Sampling Method With Continuous Physiological Data

This study explores the relationship between emotions, based on Russell's theory, and cardiovascular responses using wearables and experience sampling methods (ESM). Drawing inspiration from Ketonen et al. (2023), we compared linear mixed models with Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). Five University of Twente students participated in a three-day ESM study, combining semi-random questionnaires with continuous EmbracePlus bracelet data on pulse rate (PR) and metabolic equivalent of a task (MET). Models with unweighted means for PR and MET five minutes after ESM prompts generally outperformed others, except for boredom, where Gaussian weighted means around the prompt were optimal. This insight could contribute to developing guidelines for analyzing ESM and physiological data, enhancing cross-study comparability. Further research is necessary for comprehensive guidelines. Despite limitations, this study lays a foundation for standardized methodology, fostering future advancements in the field.