SOLUS 2.0: Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy for unwanted loneliness : – A randomized controlled trial of internet-administered treatment for loneliness

Loneliness is associated with a wide range of mental and physical health issues across all groups in society. The condition has been subject to previous research, though few treatments have been designed and tested. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and internet-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IIPT) with a randomized controlled design. Potential effects on quality of life and comorbid symptoms were also analyzed. Eventual differences in effect between the treatments were analyzed with an exploratory purpose. The 116 participants were randomized to ICBT (n = 46), IIPT (n = 46) or a control group (n = 24) where participants were put on a waitlist. Loneliness, quality of life and comorbid symptoms were measured in all groups before and after a nine-week treatment period. At post-measure, the ICBT-group reported significantly lower loneliness (Hedges g = 0.93) and significantly higher quality of life (Hedges g = 0.73) than the control group. No significant differences were found between the IIPT-group and the control group or between the ICBT-group and the IIPT-group. Future research should replicate this study with a larger sample to detect any smaller treatment effects. The results of the SOLUS-study show great potential for ICBT as a treatment for loneliness and calls for further research on the effects of IIPT against loneliness

SOLUS 2.0: Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy for unwanted loneliness : – A randomized controlled trial of internet-administered treatment for loneliness

Loneliness is associated with a wide range of mental and physical health issues across all groups in society. The condition has been subject to previous research, though few treatments have been designed and tested. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and internet-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IIPT) with a randomized controlled design. Potential effects on quality of life and comorbid symptoms were also analyzed. Eventual differences in effect between the treatments were analyzed with an exploratory purpose. The 116 participants were randomized to ICBT (n = 46), IIPT (n = 46) or a control group (n = 24) where participants were put on a waitlist. Loneliness, quality of life and comorbid symptoms were measured in all groups before and after a nine-week treatment period. At post-measure, the ICBT-group reported significantly lower loneliness (Hedges g = 0.93) and significantly higher quality of life (Hedges g = 0.73) than the control group. No significant differences were found between the IIPT-group and the control group or between the ICBT-group and the IIPT-group. Future research should replicate this study with a larger sample to detect any smaller treatment effects. The results of the SOLUS-study show great potential for ICBT as a treatment for loneliness and calls for further research on the effects of IIPT against loneliness

Therapist-Guided Internet-Based Treatments for Loneliness : A Randomized Controlled Three-Arm Trial Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Introduction: Chronic loneliness has been linked to many adverse outcomes, including mental health problems. Psychological treatment of loneliness can be effective, but the evidence base is limited. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of 2 internet-based interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IIPT) relative to a wait-list control group and each other. Methods: A total of 170 participants were recruited and randomized to either 9 weeks of ICBT (n = 68), IIPT (n = 68), or a wait-list condition (n = 34). The primary outcome was loneliness, measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale before, during, and after treatment. Secondary measures of psychiatric disorders and quality of life were administered before and after treatment. Follow-up was conducted 4 months after the treatment had ended. Primary outcome data were analyzed using growth curve modeling. Secondary outcomes were analyzed using robust regression models. The trial was preregistered (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03807154). Results: The ICBT condition had a significantly greater impact on loneliness compared to the wait-list and IIPT conditions. Effect sizes were moderate to large (Cohen d = 0.71) compared to the wait-list and moderate (d = 0.53) compared to IIPT. The IIPT condition did not differ significantly from the wait-list. Both active treatments led to significant increases in quality of life. Only the ICBT group had significantly lower symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety compared to the wait-list group. Treatment gains were maintained but not improved at follow-up. Conclusions: ICBT can be an efficacious option for alleviating loneliness. The IIPT intervention was not as effective.Funding Agencies|Linkoping University</p