Reducing loneliness in Hong Kong young adults with Positive Affect groups versus Social Skills training
Group-Based Positive Affect Intervention for Loneliness Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Hong Kong Young Adults
This trial will test whether a short group-based Positive Affect program helps reduce loneliness in Hong Kong young adults compared with group social skills training.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Education University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07543653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a two-arm randomized controlled trial enrolling 110 college-aged participants in Hong Kong who report elevated loneliness. Eligible participants (aged 18–30, Cantonese-proficient, scoring ≥6 on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale) will be randomly assigned to either a group-based Positive Affect (PA) intervention or a group-based Social Skills Training (SST) active control. Both interventions are delivered in four weekly group sessions of 60–75 minutes. The study also measures whether increases in positive affect and perceived social support explain any benefit, and whether rejection sensitivity changes who benefits most.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Hong Kong college students aged 18–30 who speak Cantonese and report elevated loneliness (≥6 on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale).
Not a fit: People with significant cognitive impairment, current psychiatric disorders or active suicidal ideation, those in other ongoing psychotherapy, non-Cantonese speakers, or those outside the Hong Kong area are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience reduced loneliness, improved mood, and stronger perceived social support.
How similar studies have performed: Similar positive-affect and social-skills interventions have shown mixed but promising results in other age groups, while rigorous randomized tests specifically in young adults are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18 to 30 years * proficiency in Cantonese * experiencing loneliness (defined as a score of ≥ 6 on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale) Exclusion Criteria: * cognitive impairments * psychiatric disorders, learning disabilities, or active suicidal ideation * currently participating in other psychotherapy or psychosocial interventions aimed at enhancing well-being
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The Education University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jin Zhang
- Email: s1151958@s.eduhk.hk
- Phone: 85229487138
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.