Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an internet-based CBT intervention for loneliness in older adults: A pilot RCT

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BackgroundOlder adults are an important target group for loneliness interventions. However, most existing interventions aimed at older individuals do not focus on the strategy that has proven most effective (i.e., modifying maladaptive social cognition). Additionally, given the low mental health service use in this population, innovative treatment approaches are needed in order to provide support to this age cohort. The aim of the current study was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a newly developed internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for loneliness in older individuals using a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). MethodsIn the current study N = 36 older adults aged between 65 and 87 years were randomly assigned to either a 7-week internet-based intervention or a wait-list condition. Treatment satisfaction, usability, attrition, and adherence were assessed as indicators for feasibility and acceptability. To investigate preliminary treatment effects, measures on loneliness, depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and life-satisfaction were administered. ResultsOverall, the intervention program was found to be acceptable and feasible. No significant difference between conditions on loneliness were observed; however, results indicated a trend towards lower reported loneliness levels in the treatment compared to the control group. Regarding secondary outcomes, results pointed at age-specific treatment effects, such that improvements on depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction were observed in the young-old, but not old-old adults in our sample. LimitationsThe sample was small and no follow-up assessment was included. ConclusionsAn internet-based CBT intervention for loneliness seems to be feasible and acceptable in older individuals.