PROJECT SUMMARY/ ABSTRACT
Prior research indicates that a systemic lack of well-being in our nation is majorly contributing to growing
populations of individuals with poor mental health. On the other hand, studies show that flourishing adults with
high-levels of psychological well-being (PWB) – the core elements of human development that lead person to
achieve self-fulfillment in life – have the lowest prevalence rates of mental disorder or comorbidity. Although
various PWB interventions, such as contemplative and positive practices have been shown to effectively
promote PWB in targeted groups, to date, most studies of these interventions have lacked the ability to
rigorously test their real-world efficacy in terms of how success varies from person to person and amidst daily
life challenges. As a solution, we propose employing the ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design to
create an integrated tool for (1) rigorous, multifaceted assessment of PWB and (2) delivering PWB
interventions in real life settings, with person-centered statistical inference tailored for developing and
evaluating EMA-based approaches to increase PWB.
EMA is a potential intervention delivery platform that could enhance the efficacy and implementation of PWB
interventions. EMA is a technology-based research approach aimed at capturing the ongoing stream of
individuals' behavior in real-world settings, to maximize the extent to which research findings generalize to
everyday life. EMA's accessible delivery methods use wearable or smartphone technologies that most people
own or could easily obtain. By design, EMA impacts engagement – a key element of PWB – and intervention
adherence. EMA also offers benefits associated with intensive monitoring to promote adherence and insight
into daily variability which can predict outcomes. Multiple prior studies have used the EMA design for PWB-
EMA, which we define as any EMA design applied to assess elements of PWB, however these studies have
yet to systematically examine the pathways through which PWB-EMA can affect PWB. Furthermore, research
has yet to systematically test the efficacy of PWB-EMA as a platform for PWB intervention delivery and
assessment – which we term PWB-EMAI (PWB-EMA-intervention). The proposed research involves two arms:
firstly, to study the unique role of PWB-EMA in facilitating PWB in everyday life settings; and secondly, to build
up a methodological toolkit to test PWB-EMAI with contemplative and positive intervention elements in
everyday life settings.
Based on mounting empirical evidence, psychology researchers are calling for new investment in U.S.
mental health research and services to rigorously implement interventions that promote PWB and foster mental
health in our population. Our proposal answers this call by offering innovative methodological assessment that
elucidates individual differences in how PWB-EMA (1) is a unique facilitator of PWB, (2) can be used to
efficiently deliver a PWB intervention, and (3) within-person dynamics in PWB elements, and how these relate
to intervention success. The proposed study will use existing data from a parent study that conducted a PWB-
EMA and PWB-EMAI using randomized control design. We will measure the success of each intervention with
advanced longitudinal analyses with unique advantages for rigorous, real-time assessment. Upon completion
this study aims to disseminate methodological tools for future researchers and to advance knowledge about
how PWB-EMA can be used to assess and improve PWB interventions, in order to deliver lasting benefits to
researchers, public health, and society as a whole.