A Pilot Ecological Momentary Assessment Study of Mindfulness, Craving, and Cognition in Alcohol Relapse: A Pilot Ecological Monetary Assessment Study
Abstract
Excessive alcohol use remains a significant public health problem worldwide. A better understanding of relapse is needed. In an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) study, Dutch alcohol dependent patients (n=11) carried around a personal digital assistant for 4 weeks while trying to maintain abstinence. They completed assessments at random times 3 times/day, and when they felt a strong urge to drink or came to the brink of drinking without doing so. Negative affect, tempted now ratings, recent drinking, and attentional or approach bias were assessed at each EMA assessment. Participants completed 70.2% of presented random assessments (RAs). Participants with higher trait mindfulness (measured by the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) scores) reported lower tempted-now ratings and less drinking. MAAS also moderated the association between tempted-now ratings and drinking, such that the association only occurred in those with low, but not high, MAAS participants. Further research should examine trait mindfulness in alcohol use and dependence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 08, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1127814
Entities
People
- Edwin H. Szeto
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences