Effective interventions to reduce loneliness in big cities

Abstract

Purpose of reviewLoneliness is a state of distress or discomfort between the desired and experienced level of connectedness to others. These feelings may be particular salient in urban environments that seemingly offer more opportunities for social contact, highlighting the discrepancy. The topic of loneliness has received increased attention because of its negative impact on mental and physical health combined with concerns of increased loneliness due to lockdowns and social distancing regulations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We provide a bibliometric and random-effects meta-analysis of clinical trials published since 2020 and available via PubMed.Recent findingsLoneliness interventions have predominantly focused on elderly in the community. Adolescents and young adults as a second group at risk have received much less attention. On average across 44 effect sizes studied in 38 trials, interventions show moderate levels of effectiveness but are characterized by high heterogeneity and trials are often underpowered and use low quality designs. Multidimensional interventions show promise for alleviating loneliness, but the intervention context needs greater attention.SummaryScalable and effective interventions for the general population and at-risk groups of loneliness are still scarce. Some promising interventions have been trialled and merit further attention.

Addressing loneliness and social isolation in 52 countries: a scoping review of National policies

“… Scalability of intervention Decide if your planned intervention will need to be scalable or not and plan finances accordingly Online loneliness interventions, such as described by [ 71 ], are more cost-effective to scale-up than in-person or community level interventions. Overall, there is a lack of evidence on scalable interventions for the general population and at-risk groups of loneliness [ 72 ]. …”

The Psychological Network of Loneliness Symptoms Among Chinese Residents During the COVID-19 Outbreak

“…Systematic reviews have shown that interventions like mindfulness, social cognitive training, animal therapy, and social support can prevent or reduce loneliness. [50][51][52][53][54] During the pandemic, some studies have yielded preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of remote interventions, video calls, and assistive technology in reducing social isolation and loneliness. [55][56][57][58] Based on the results of this network analysis, the development of psychosocial interventions to alleviate loneliness must take into account the central and bridge symptoms identified.…”

Cultural challenges for adapting behavioral intervention frameworks: A critical examination from a cultural psychology perspective

“…promoting healthy diet and exercise, safe sexual practices, and reducing smoking or alcohol consumption), interventions that promote healthy mindsets (e.g. activities emphasizing stressmanagement, mindfulness, problem solving, and positive thinking), parenting interventions (Cai et al, 2022;Parra-Cardona, Banderas Montalva, et al, 2023;Wieling et al, 2017), and workplace interventions that help clinicians maintain focus and improve patient-doctor outcomes (Ajzen, 1991;Armitage & Conner, 2001;Baglioni et al, 2020;Fischer et al, 2020;Fischer & Hartle, 2022;Zulman et al, 2020). Interventions are often designed and implemented by healthcare systems or organizations in an attempt to address a specific behavioral, social, medical, or public health challenge.…”