Change in emotional processing in daily life: relationship with in-session self-esteem

In-session emotional processing is a central component of psychotherapy, but little known about the types and quality individuals engage in daily life. An ecological momentary assessment (EMA) schedule has been validated to assess distinct experiences as they emerge It remains an open question whether changes observed over week are related in-session self-esteem. In total, N = 42 university students participated one-week emotions using assessment, well one-session experiential task resolving self-criticism (using two-chair dialogue from emotion-focused therapy). The life were self-reported by participants on regular basis, self-esteem was assessed three times during dialogue. Two-level hierarchical linear models reveal life, introduced predictor at level 2. correlated with symptom levels. results showed that primary maladaptive predicted state trait components self-esteem, which took place outset EMA. Trait-components linked symptoms, whereas state-components not. present study underscores importance extending research within-session observations towards .