Efficacy of an internet–based intervention for loneliness in older adults: An RCT

Abstract

Background

Loneliness is an increasing issue in modern society and leads to a wide range of health problems. Due to various reasons, older adults are particularly affected by loneliness and often not effectively supported by standard interventions. The goal of this study is to investigate the efficacy of a new internet–based loneliness intervention for elderly individuals.

Methods

N = 117 individuals participated in the study. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) includes an intervention group and a waitlist control group. The intervention condition is characterized by 7 therapeutic modules to address loneliness and related psychological problems. A baseline, post–intervention, and 6 months follow–up assessment was administered to measure the efficacy of the program.

Results

Findings showed no significant loneliness differences across participants at post–intervention and follow–up. However, in the intervention group, male individuals were characterized by lower loneliness levels compared to the control group at post–intervention. At post–intervention, depressive symptoms were also significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group across all participants.

Limitations

The present study did not monitor to what extent participants engaged with the therapeutic program and its modules. It is also not known which individual modules of the program contributed most or least to the observed results.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate the importance of sociodemographic factors in the treatment of loneliness. The intervention showed partial efficacy and is most suitable for lonely elderly individuals with depressive symptoms.