Preliminary Acceptability and Efficacy of a Brief Computerized Intervention Targeting Loneliness in Older Adults

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundLoneliness in older adults has been linked to an increased risk for dementia as well as physical and mental health issues. In recent years, computerized interventions have emerged as a promising strategy for addressing mental health issues such as loneliness given their ease‐of‐use, efficiency, and high level of scalability. “Combatting Social Isolation” (CSI) is one such intervention that is brief, web based, and has demonstrated efficacy in targeting two risk factors central to social disconnection (perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness). This study sought to adapt the existing CSI protocol for older adults reporting loneliness and obtain preliminary acceptability and efficacy data in a randomized clinical trial.MethodParticipants were community‐dwelling adults 60 years of age or older who reported experiencing loneliness. This is an ongoing clinical trial with an expect final sample size of 60. Currently, 13 participants have been randomized to complete either CSI or a similar web‐based control which provides information regarding a healthy lifestyle. Participants completed measures assessing acceptability and loneliness pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and at 1‐month follow up. The sample was 53.8% female and varied in age from 63 to 80 years old (M = 70.54; SD = 5.40).ResultFollowing completion of the CSI intervention, 100% of participants (N = 7) reported that the intervention was at least somewhat logical, 85.7% reported that they expected it to be at least somewhat successful in reducing their symptoms, and 85.7% of participants rated the quality of the intervention as good or excellent. Descriptive statistics revealed that total UCLA loneliness scale scores for both groups were lower at post (M/SDCSI = 50.33/7.63; Control = 40.83/8.08) and 1‐month follow up (M/SD CSI = 51.33/8.00; Control = 40.17/9.24) compared to pre‐intervention (M/SD CSI = 54.43/9.25; Control = 44.50/9.96). Mean scores were not compared between groups due to small sample size, however, data continues to be collected and inferential statistics will be available for presentation.ConclusionThese preliminary results suggest that most participants considered the CSI intervention to be acceptable. Though the current sample is underpowered to detect between‐groups differences in loneliness, initial trends support a decrease in loneliness over time. However, more data needs to be collected to determine whether these reductions are unique to the intervention.