Building connections and meaning for adults in farming communities
Fostering Agricultural Relationships and Meaning - Thriving on Kinship (FARM-TOK)
This project will test whether six weekly therapist-led cognitive-behavioral sessions reduce loneliness compared with health education for adults living in agricultural areas who feel disconnected.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 65 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT07218965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Sixty-five adults who live in agricultural areas and report loneliness will be randomized to receive either therapist-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for perceived social isolation or therapist-delivered health education, each delivered in six weekly 40–60 minute sessions. Outcomes including loneliness, number of social interactions, perceived social support, substance use, and other descriptive measures will be collected at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and one month after treatment. Participants may opt to complete ecological momentary assessments three times daily for seven weeks via a smartphone app (Catalyst by MetricWire) to capture daily experiences during the intervention. All interventions are delivered in English and require reliable phone/internet access for participation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) who live in an agricultural area, speak English, have reliable phone/internet access, and score at least 44 on the 20-item UCLA Loneliness Scale are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with a current psychotic or bipolar I diagnosis, a diagnosed neurological disorder, active suicidal or homicidal intent, non-English speakers, or those without consistent phone/internet access are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce loneliness and increase social support and day-to-day social engagement for adults in rural agricultural communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of CBT approaches focused on loneliness and perceived social isolation have shown promising results, so this trial builds on existing evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * able to provide informed consent * understand English * have internet access * reside in an agricultural area * screen positive for loneliness by scoring at least 44 on the 20-item UCLA Loneliness Scale Exclusion Criteria: * unable to give informed consent * non-English speaking * does not have consistent access to a phone and/or internet * reports being diagnosed with a neurological disorder or a current psychotic or bipolar 1 diagnosis * current suicidal or homicidal intent indicating a need for immediate hospitalization or treatment as determined by clinical interviewer
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- The Ohio State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicholas P Allan, PhD
- Email: nicholas.allan@osumc.edu
- Phone: 614-814-1299
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.