Evaluation of the Efficacy of Two Internet-based Self-help Interventions for Loneliness. (SOLUS-D)

University of Bern

Status: Completed

Conditions: Loneliness

Treatments: Other: SOLUS-D + weekly automated messages; Other: SOLUS-D + weekly feedback by a coach

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04655196

SOLUS-D

Details and patient eligibility

About

In this study, people who suffer from loneliness will be randomized to three study conditions. The first and second group get an account to an internet-based self-help intervention. The first group also receives weekly feedback from a coach and the second group receives an automated email on a weekly basis. The third group is a waiting control group. In all three conditions additional care or treatment is allowed. The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of an internet-based self-help intervention to reduce feelings of loneliness compared to a waiting list and the effect of support during the intervention. Assessments are at baseline, 5-week, 10-week, 6-months and 12-months post-randomization. Participants in the waiting control group get also access to the intervention and fill out questionnaires at baseline, 5-week and 10-week post-randomization and get also access to the intervention 10 weeks after randomization.

Enrollment: 243 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Sumscore ≥ 18 on the UCLA Loneliness Scale
• Signed Informed Consent
• Contact information provided in case of emergency
• Internet connection and device to use it (Smartphone, Computer, Tablet)
• Fluent in german language

Exclusion criteria

• Acute suicidality
• A current diagnose of substance dependence, a current or previous diagnose of psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
• A current diagnosis of severe depression (PHQ-9 > 14)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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243 participants in 3 patient groups

Internet-based self-help + weekly feedback by a coach

Experimental group

Description:

Internet-based self-help on the basis of CBT-interventions, mindfulness and self-compassion to address cognitions, emotions and behavior related to loneliness. The self-help program consists of nine text, audio and video-based sessions, various exercises (e.g., breathing meditation, diaries) and tasks. Participants receive weekly feedback by a coach.

Treatment:

Other: SOLUS-D + weekly feedback by a coach

Internet-based self-help + weekly automated messages

Experimental group

Description:

Internet-based self-help on the basis of CBT-interventions, mindfulness and self-compassion to address cognitions, emotions and behavior related to loneliness. The self-help program consists of nine text-, audio- and video-based sessions, various exercises (e.g., breathing meditation, diaries) and tasks. Participants receive weekly automated messages in order to increase motivation.

Treatment:

Other: SOLUS-D + weekly automated messages

Waiting control group

No Intervention group