Monitoring alcohol craving in daily life: theories and methods for intensive longitudinal psycho-physiological studies

In this thesis, the extent was explored to which a solid basis can be provided for a monitoring system based on ambulatory, physiological measurements (e.g. heart rate), intensively self-reported psychological experiences (e.g. negative feelings) and contextual situations (e.g. an upcoming party), to prelude craving and (re)lapse in individuals attempting to recover from alcohol addiction. Studies addressed the following topics: to review the evidence on contextual and psychological variables predictive of craving moments; the validity of ambulant measures of electrodermal activity and cardio vascular activity of the wearable targeted; the feasibility, usability and burden of participating in a longitudinal EMA study with multiple questionnaires a day and possible stigmatization due to the wearable. The final study in this thesis was a longitudinal Intensive Repeated and Continuous Measures in Naturalistic Settings Case-study design of physiology, craving and lapses.