Reducing loneliness in older adults by enhancing positive emotions
Reducing Loneliness Among Older Adults Through Enhancing Positive Affect: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Ecological Momentary Assessments
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 276 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Education University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07021872 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- 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
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.