Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Loneliness: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Loneliness has been described as a common source of discomfort based on a subjective discrepancy between the actual and desired social situation. For some people this feeling may become a sustained state that is associated with a wide range of psychiatric and psychosocial problems. While there are few existing treatment protocols, interventions based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have shown positive effects. The current study investigated the efficacy of an eight-week internet-based treatment containing CBT components aimed at reducing feelings of loneliness. Seventy-three participants were recruited from the general public and randomly allocated to treatment or a wait-list control condition. Participants were assessed with standardized self-report measures of loneliness, depression, social anxiety, worry, and quality of life at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Robust linear regression analysis of all randomized participants showed significant treatment effects on the primary outcome measure of loneliness (between group Cohen's d = 0.77), and on secondary outcomes measuring quality of life and social anxiety relative to control at post-assessment. The results suggest the potential utility of internet-based CBT in alleviating loneliness but more research on the long-term effects and the mechanisms underlying the effects is needed.

A crisis for elderly with mental disorders: Relapse of symptoms due to heightened anxiety due to COVID-19

“…In the wake of the current health crisis, meaningful telephone conversation, can ensure mental, physical and social health needs of older people. Online or telephonic cognitive behavior therapy, supportive sessions could be delivered to decrease the loneliness, fear of illness and improvement of well being (Käll et al, 2020).…”

COVID-19: the implications for suicide in older adults

“…There are online psychotherapy courses available for anxiety and depressive illnesses (see, e.g. https://thiswayup.org.au/) and for loneliness (Kall et al, 2020), although specific telehealth treatments for suicidal ideation are less developed (Reger et al, 2020). Grief counseling for those bereaved during the pandemic could also be delivered online.…”

The value of maintaining social connections for mental health in older people

“…Randomised controlled trials examining the effects of cognitive behavioural based therapies, delivered online or in-person, have been shown to alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms while simultaneously decreasing loneliness. 7,8 For instance, internet-delivered cognitive behaviourial therapy has been shown to enhance both the general impression and tangible indicators of social affiliation and support compared with waitlist controls. 7,9 Similarly, establishing community volunteer outreach could also help in this regard, particularly for adults who are less mobile or more secluded.…”