Hangeoreum: a self-paced web program to reduce loneliness for Korean immigrants aged 50 and older
Official title: Hangeoreum Program: A Pilot Study of a Self-Paced, Web-Based Program to Address Loneliness and Connectedness Among Korean Immigrants Aged 50 and Older
Run by University of South Florida · NCT07917013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A self-guided, web-based program based on ACT is being tested to see if it helps Korean immigrants 50+ feel less lonely and more connected.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of South Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tampa, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07917013 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Korean immigrants aged 50 or older who report loneliness ( UCLA Loneliness Scale score ≥5 in Korean) and have reliable internet access with fluency in Korean.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without significant loneliness or who have barriers to online participation (e.g., cognitive limitations not accommodated, lack of internet access) may not experience personal benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a one-group pilot study evaluating a culturally tailored, six-week, self-paced web program delivered in Korean through the USF Canvas platform. The program uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques to address loneliness and psychosocial well-being in Korean immigrants aged 50–94 living in the United States. Researchers will measure feasibility, acceptability, and changes in loneliness and social connectedness from before to after completing the program, along with participant experiences to guide improvements. The study will enroll about 40 participants and collect qualitative and quantitative data entirely online. All participants receive access to the Hangeoreum program as part of the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced loneliness and improved sense of social connectedness through a culturally tailored, accessible online program.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work supports ACT-based, culturally tailored interventions for psychosocial well-being, but this specific web-based program for Korean immigrants is novel and primarily in the pilot/feasibility stage.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria are: (1) being 50 years of age or older; (2) self-identifying as a Korean immigrant, defined as being born in Korea and having immigrated to the United States; (3) being fluent in Korean; (4) reporting feelings of loneliness, defined for screening purposes as a score of ≥ 5 on the Korean version of the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, with brief phone verification by the study team when needed to clarify incomplete or unclear screening responses; and (5) having access to a web-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, with internet access at home or in the community (e.g., a public library or church). Exclusion criteria are: (1) cognitive, physical, or sensory limitations that cannot be accommodated and would prevent meaningful participation in study procedures, including a diagnosis of dementia or another condition affecting cognitive abilities; (2) suicidal ideation, intent, or attempts within the past 6 months; and (3) participation in another clinical trial at the time of recruitment.
Where it's running
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University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Areum Han, PhD — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Areum Han, PhD
- Email: areumhan@usf.edu
- Phone: 813-396-0524
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.