A new approach to reduce loneliness in adults
A Novel Conditioning Approach to Counter Loneliness in Adults
This study is trying a new 6-session program to see if it can help adults feel less lonely and improve their mood.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 136 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Education University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06521099 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests a 6-session conditioning method aimed at reducing loneliness in adults by examining changes in socio-affective processing, depressive symptoms, and neural correlates. Participants will first complete an online loneliness questionnaire, followed by laboratory screening and baseline assessments including mood and functional MRI scans. They will then be randomly assigned to either an evaluative conditioning group or a control group, undergoing a series of sessions designed to alter their emotional responses. After the intervention, participants will be reassessed to evaluate the effectiveness of the conditioning approach on their loneliness and mood.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are lonely adults without major psychiatric or neurological disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with significant psychiatric disorders or those on medications affecting cognitive functions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness and improve mental health in affected individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in using conditioning techniques to modify emotional responses.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * No histories of learning impairment, major psychiatric disorders or neurological disorders other than depression * Normal intelligence * At least primary school education Exclusion Criteria: * On medication or treatments within 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the study that would affect the individual's brain, cognitive and affective functions
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nichol ML Wong, PhD — Education University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Nichol ML Wong, PhD
- Email: nmlwong@eduhk.hk
- Phone: 852-29487431
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.