AUTHOR=Real Ruben G. L. , Dickhaus Thorsten , Ludolph Albert , Hautzinger Martin , Kübler Andrea 

TITLE=Well-being in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot experience sampling study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=5

YEAR=2014

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00704

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00704

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objective:</bold> The 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.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> Using 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.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Results 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.</p><p><bold>Discussion:</bold> Findings 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.</p>