Combating loneliness in older adults: A randomized clinical trial evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of a...

Despite continued prevention efforts, loneliness in older adults remains a risk factor for negative mental health outcomes. Loneliness can develop from disrupted interpersonal perceptions, namely thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB). This study examined the effectiveness of the Combating Loneliness Intervention (CLI), a brief online treatment using cognitive and behavioral strategies to reduce loneliness by restructuring cognitions and behaviors related to TB and PB in older adults. The study aimed to test three hypotheses: (1) CLI would be well-received regarding acceptability and feasibility, (2) CLI would significantly reduce loneliness relative to the control group, and (3) CLI would significantly reduce related risk factors (i.e., PB, TB).

Participants (N = 70; age > 65) were older adults with above-average levels of loneliness. Participants were randomized to the CLI or a control intervention (i.e., healthy lifestyle behaviors such as sleep hygiene) and completed assessments at pre-treatment, post-intervention, 1-month, and 6-month follow up.

Both interventions were well-tolerated with similar attrition, but CLI participants reported higher satisfaction and credibility. CLI showed a delayed but promising effect, with significantly lower levels of loneliness than the control group at six months. Both groups showed reductions in related risk factors (i.e., TB and PB), though differences between conditions were nonsignificant. However, a significant time-by-condition interaction indicated a larger reduction in perceived burdensomeness in the CLI condition.

The current study suggests that CLI is a promising intervention that should be further tested among larger samples of older adults.