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An Evaluation of a Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy mHealth-Supported Intervention to Reduce Loneliness in Older People

Author

Listed:
  • Mary Ann Jarvis

    (School of Nursing and Public Health, Desmond Clarence Bldg. Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa)

  • Anita Padmanabhanunni

    (Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Avenue, Belville 7535, South Africa)

  • Jennifer Chipps

    (School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Health, University of the Western Cape, 14 Blanckenberg Road, Belville 7535, South Africa)

Abstract

There is a high prevalence of loneliness among older people, especially in residential care settings. Loneliness is often accompanied by maladaptive cognitions which can affect the maintenance and establishment of meaningful social connections. This study implemented and evaluated a low-intensity Cognitive Behavior Therapy (LI-CBT) mHealth-supported intervention which targeted maladaptive cognitions in older people (≥60 years) experiencing loneliness. The three-month intervention using WhatsApp was implemented with older people in four inner-city residential care facilities. The intervention included three components: technology acceptance, psycho-education, and individualized positively worded messages addressing maladaptive cognitions. The intervention was evaluated using a randomized control design. Key outcomes were measured pre-, post-, and one month after the intervention. There were significant changes in social cognition (YSQ-SF T 0 –T 1 –T 2 , X 2 = 9.69, p = 0.008) and loneliness levels (total loneliness T 0 –T 1 –T 2 , X 2 = 14.62, p = 0.001), and an increase in WhatsApp usage (T 0 = 26% vs. T 1 = 60%, X 2 =15.22, p = 0.019). At 1-month follow-up, even with a significant reduction in WhatsApp usage, a significant reduction in loneliness was maintained. LI-CBT delivered via instant messaging may be effective in reducing loneliness experienced by older people.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary Ann Jarvis & Anita Padmanabhanunni & Jennifer Chipps, 2019. "An Evaluation of a Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy mHealth-Supported Intervention to Reduce Loneliness in Older People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:7:p:1305-:d:221994
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Siok Swan Tan & Irene N. Fierloos & Xuxi Zhang & Elin Koppelaar & Tamara Alhambra-Borras & Tasos Rentoumis & Greg Williams & Tomislav Rukavina & Rob van Staveren & Jordi Garces-Ferrer & Carmen B. Fran, 2020. "The Association between Loneliness and Health Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) among Community-Dwelling Older Citizens," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Hui-Chuan Hsu, 2020. "Typologies of Loneliness, Isolation and Living Alone Are Associated with Psychological Well-Being among Older Adults in Taipei: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Vivian Welch & Elizabeth T. Ghogomu & Victoria I. Barbeau & Sierra Dowling & Rebecca Doyle & Ella Beveridge & Elisabeth Boulton & Payaam Desai & Jimmy Huang & Nour Elmestekawy & Tarannum Hussain & Arp, 2023. "Digital interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults: An evidence and gap map," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(4), December.
    4. Myo Nyein Aung & Yuka Koyanagi & Yuiko Nagamine & Eun Woo Nam & Nadila Mulati & Myat Yadana Kyaw & Saiyud Moolphate & Yoshihisa Shirayama & Kumiko Nonaka & Malcolm Field & Paul Cheung & Motoyuki Yuasa, 2022. "Digitally Inclusive, Healthy Aging Communities (DIHAC): A Cross-Cultural Study in Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-9, June.

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