Janda, L. H., Markowski, E., Derlega, V. J., Nezlek, J. B., & McCain, N. (2006). Association between daily events and mood state among individuals living with HIV: A Pilot study based on a daily diary methodology. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 14, 116-128.

Background and purpose. Studies examining the link between stressful events and coping with HIV have relied on a between-persons approach focusing on how individuals differ on some characteristics. While the between-subjects approach has yielded important information, our goal is to use a within-persons approach, making repeated measurements of the same persons over many days, to examine the impact of changing circumstances on the mood states of those with HIV. A second goal is to determine if asking participants to report their daily experiences via a computerized interactive voice system is a viable way to collect such information.
Method. This study collected a variety of trait measures for seven HIV patients and subsequently used a computerized telephone system to collect information regarding daily events and mood states over 21 consecutive days. Results. Several daily measures, including self-esteem, optimism and positive social interactions were significantly related to daily mood states. Trait measures, with the exception of symptom distress, were ineffective in predicting variations in daily mood states.
Conclusions. A computerized telephone system is a viable means of collecting information from HIV patients on a daily basis and within-persons methodology may provide useful information about daily events affecting mood states beyond that generated by a between-persons approach.