BIO

My name is Julian Kinnaird, I am from Melbourne, Florida, and I am in my final semester here at FSU. I am currently wrapping up my major in psychology and have already completed my minor in child development. Post-graduation, I hope to earn a full time clinical psychology research assistant position here at FSU to prepare me for my PhD training. Further in the future, I hope to earn my PhD in order to practice clinical work either in my own private practice or with a hospital, potentially focusing on children and their development.

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

Abstract

Estimates of loneliness in the U.S. among older adults have been as high as 34% since 2023. Heightened loneliness has been associated with several mental and physical adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of dementia, suicidal outcomes, poorer immune system functioning, and all-cause mortality. Computerized interventions have grown in popularity in recent decades due to their high scalability and ease of use. "Combatting Social Isolation" (CSI) is one such intervention which utilizes psychoeducation in order to "myth bust" common maladaptive beliefs that perpetuate perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. The current study sought to test the acceptability of this intervention among older adults, as well as it's efficacy in reducing loneliness. This was tested through the use of a randomized control trial where participants (N=65, M(age)=72.2, SD(age)=5.8) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, where the active condition received CSI, and the control group received the Health Educational Control (HEC) presentation. Participants in each condition completed self report questionnaires at pre-, post-, and 1-month post- intervention, and these included the UCLA Loneliness scale, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the Client satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Credibility/ Expectancy Questionnaire. A significant majority of participants found CSI to be acceptable. A 2x3 ANOVA revealed a significant effect of time on Loneliness (F(1.460, 71.525) = 22.678, p<.001), though no significant interaction was observed between time and condition F(1.462, 71.525) = .102, p=.841. It appears that HEC may be just as useful in reducing loneliness as CSI, possibly due to its stress management components.

Keywords: Loneliness, Computerized Intervention, Older Adults