Objective: The purpose of the current study was to demonstrate the feasibility of studying subjects with anorexia nervosa (AN) using ecologic momentary assessment (EMA). A second goal of the current study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of a proposed model of anorexic behavior.
Method: Ten female participants with AN carried Palm top computers for an average of 2 weeks per participant. Each day, participants were signaled six times by the Palm top and answered questions about mood, behavior, stressful events, and self-appraisal.
Results: AN subjects displayed excellent compliance with the protocol. Participants completed more than 90% of the signaled recordings. The results also generally support the model of AN behavior proposed.
Conclusion: EMA appears to be a feasible and productive means of assessment in studying AN.
Copyright 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.