Impact of Ecological Momentary Assessment Diary Format and Social Desirability on Reports of Dietary Temptations, Lapses, Coping, and Treatment Outcome in a Behavioral Weight Loss Program

The present study examined whether ecological momentary assessment (EMA) diary format and social desirability impacted reports of dietary temptations, lapses, coping, and abstinence violation effects (AVEs) by participants in a behavioral weight loss program (BWLP). Participants were 54 sedentary, obese adults in a six-month BWLP who completed 1-week dietary temptation and lapse diaries using open- or closed-formatted electronic diaries. Participants also completed the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). Participants with closed diaries reported more coping responses than those with open diaries. A social desirability by diary format interaction for AVEs indicated that during lapses, participants using open diaries reported similar numbers of negative AVEs regardless of social desirability. However, participants using closed diaries reported more negative AVEs when lower in social desirability, and reported fewer negative AVEs when higher in social desirability. Findings suggest that diary format and social desirability appear to impact EMA reports of dietary temptations and lapses.