Reducing loneliness in older adults by enhancing positive emotions
Official title: Reducing Loneliness Among Older Adults Through Enhancing Positive Affect: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Ecological Momentary Assessments
Run by Education University of Hong Kong · NCT07021872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether two phone-based programs—one that boosts positive emotions and one that encourages valued activities—can reduce loneliness in Cantonese-speaking adults aged 65 and older in Hong Kong.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 276 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Education University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07021872 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are community-dwelling, Cantonese-speaking adults aged 65 or older living in Hong Kong who report significant loneliness (score ≥6 on the 3-item UCLA scale) and do not have cognitive impairment or active psychiatric disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
People with cognitive impairment, active psychiatric illness or suicidal ideation, those already receiving psychotherapy for well-being, non–Cantonese speakers, or those living outside Hong Kong are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, three-arm trial will compare a 4-week Tele-Positive Affect program, a 4-week Tele-Behavioral Activation program, and an active control of friendly phone visits in community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 in Hong Kong. Tele-PA teaches eight evidence-based skills (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness, positive reappraisal) to increase positive affect based on the broaden-and-build theory, while Tele-BA focuses on activity monitoring, valued activity scheduling, and social skills grounded in behavioral activation principles. Eligible participants who speak Cantonese and score ≥6 on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale will be randomized and followed to measure changes in loneliness and related well-being outcomes. The trial is led by the Education University of Hong Kong with academic collaborators and uses telephone delivery to increase accessibility and scalability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, these brief, phone-delivered programs could offer a low-cost, scalable way to reduce loneliness and improve emotional well-being among older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous telephone-delivered behavioral activation and positive-affect programs have shown promising but mixed results for reducing loneliness or depressive symptoms in older adults, and direct head-to-head comparisons like this one are relatively limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 65 years or older * proficiency in Cantonese (over telephone) * 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 it's running
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The Education University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Da Jiang, PhD — The Education University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Da Jiang, PhD
- Email: djiang@eduhk.hk
- Phone: 852 2948 8659
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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.