Frontiers in Psychology (Jul 2014)

Well-being in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a pilot Experience Sampling Study

  • Ruben Gustav Leonhardt Real,
  • Thorsten eDickhaus,
  • Albert eLudolph,
  • Martin eHautzinger,
  • Andrea eKübler,
  • Andrea eKübler

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00704
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5

Abstract

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ObjectiveThe aim of this longitudinal study was to identify predictors of instantaneous well-being in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Based on flow theory well-being was expected to be highest when perceived demands and perceived control were in balance, and that thinking about the past would be a risk factor for rumination which would in turn reduce well-being.MethodsUsing the experience sampling method, data on current activities, associated aspects of perceived demands, control, and well-being were collected from 10 patients with ALS three times a day for two weeks.ResultsResults show that perceived control was uniformly and positively associated with well-being, but that demands were only positively associated with well-being when they were perceived as controllable. Mediation analysis confirmed thinking about the past, but not thinking about the future, to be a risk factor for rumination and reduced well-being. DiscussionFindings extend our knowledge of factors contributing to well-being in ALS as not only perceived control but also perceived demands can contribute to well-being. They further show that a focus on present experiences might contribute to increased well-being.

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