RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Ecological Momentary Intervention for Reward in Anhedonia

This study is testing a new way to help people who find it hard to feel pleasure (anhedonia), and those experiencing anxiety, stress, or depression. It's an intervention delivered via a smartphone app over two weeks. Some participants will learn skills to help them appreciate positive experiences, like positive thinking and gratitude. This aims to improve how they anticipate, enjoy, and learn from good things. Another group will learn relaxation techniques. The study wants to see if this app-based approach can reduce anhedonia and overall psychological distress, offering a new, accessible way to support well-being.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Philipps University Marburg

Enrolment target

Start

18 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2026

Anhedonia Anxiety Stress Depression

What is this study about?

Many people find it hard to feel positive emotions or pleasure from everyday activities. This feeling, called anhedonia, is common in those with depression, anxiety, or ongoing stress. Even though it can really affect daily life, there aren't many treatments that focus specifically on helping people enjoy things more. While some therapies are good at reducing bad feelings like sadness or worry, they don't always improve positive feelings.

This study aims to tackle anhedonia directly. When we feel pleasure, it usually involves three steps: first, expecting something good to happen (like looking forward to a meal); second, enjoying it when it does happen; and third, learning from that good experience so we seek it out again. For people with anhedonia, one or more of these steps can be difficult, making it harder to get motivated or engage in enjoyable activities. This research hopes to find better ways to help people strengthen these positive processes.

The study uses a smartphone app for two weeks. One group will do short, daily exercises designed to boost their ability to experience pleasure. These exercises include things like positive imagining, really focusing on and savouring good moments, practising gratitude, and finding the 'silver lining' in situations. Another group will use the app to learn progressive muscle relaxation, a technique to reduce tension. The study's main goal is to see if these app-based exercises can help reduce anhedonia and ease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Key takeaways

This study explores an app-based approach to boost pleasure and reduce distress.
It targets anhedonia, a difficulty in feeling pleasure, as well as anxiety and depression.
Participants will use a smartphone app daily for two weeks.
The exercises focus on positive thinking, gratitude, or relaxation techniques.
It's an accessible way to learn new skills for emotional well-being.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and able to speak German. You should also have a smartphone and be willing to use the app regularly for the exercises and to answer questions.

We are looking for people who are currently experiencing certain levels of anhedonia (finding it hard to feel pleasure), depression, anxiety, or stress. These will be checked using specific questionnaires.

However, you can't join if you are currently taking medication for mental health, are having or planning to have psychotherapy during the study, or have a history of specific mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or psychotic episodes. Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts are also not eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you speak German?
Do you have a smartphone you can use regularly?
Are you currently experiencing difficulties with pleasure, anxiety, stress, or low mood?
Are you NOT currently taking mental health medication or having talking therapy?
Do you NOT have a history of bipolar disorder or psychotic episodes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves using a smartphone app daily for two weeks. Depending on which group you're in, you will complete three short audio exercises each day. Some will focus on positive thinking and feelings, while others will teach relaxation. All information will be collected through the app. There are no visits to a clinic or specific medication involved. After the two-week period, there will be follow-up questions asked through the app, but no further active participation. The total duration of active participation is two weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as learning new techniques for managing anhedonia, anxiety, and stress, which could improve your daily mood and overall well-being. However, there's no guarantee that you will personally benefit. The risks are expected to be minimal, mainly involving the time commitment for daily app use. As with any study, you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect any future medical care you receive.

Locations (1)

Philipps-University Marburg
Verified postcode
Marburg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is anhedonia?

Anhedonia means finding it harder to feel pleasure or enjoyment from things you usually would, like hobbies, food, or socialising.

What is a 'smartphone app intervention'?

It's a way of delivering support or training through an application on your mobile phone, so you can do exercises wherever you are.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses on app-based exercises and techniques.

How long will I need to participate?

Your active participation, using the app daily for exercises, will last for two weeks.

Do I need to be good with technology?

You'll need a smartphone and be comfortable using an app to complete the daily exercises and answer questions.

How to find out more

Martin J Skopp, M.Sc.

martin.skopp@uni-marburg.de +4964212827106 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.