background People experience their emotions in the realm of their daily life. The experience sampling method can be used to assess emotions and the context in which they are embedded. This method provides multiple prospective ecological valid measurements, and has been extensively validated with respect to use in both the general population as in patient samples. A growing body of research suggests that momentary assessment technologies that sample experiences in the context of daily life constitute a useful and productive approach in the study of behavioural
phenotypes and a powerful addition to mainstream cross-sectional research paradigms.
aim To discuss momentary assessment strategies for psychopathology, together with some research findings illustrating the added value of daily life research for the study of phenomenology, etiology, and treatment response in psychopathology.
method An overview of research findings will be presented.
results Variability over time and dynamic patterns of reactivity to the environment are essential features of psychopathological experiences that need to be captured for a better understanding of their phenomenology and underlying mechanisms.
conclusion The experience sampling method (esm) allows us to capture the film rather than a snapshot of daily life reality of patients, fuelling applications in psychopathology and its treatment.