Older adults can re-appraise loneliness using a social connectivity app: a mixed method intervention study
Authors: Harkin, L., Stevenson, C., Fino, E., Talbot, C., Stuart, A., Park, M.S.A., Lay, J., Katz, D., Price, B., Gooch, D.
Journal: Aging and Mental Health
Publication Date: 01/01/2025
eISSN: 1364-6915
ISSN: 1360-7863
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2025.2572017
Abstract:Objectives: Older adults face an elevated risk of social isolation, loneliness, and poor psychological health. This mixed methods study evaluates a trial of an intervention app designed to protect against loneliness by raising older adults’ awareness of their social relationships. Method: A 4-week online mixed methods randomised 2 (condition: app use vs waitlist) x 3 (timepoint: baseline, 2 week, and 4 week wellbeing) trial, with follow up qualitative interviews. Older adults (N = 99, Mean Age = 68) completed a survey at three timepoints (baseline, two, and four weeks) reporting loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Forty-five post-trial interviews were conducted with the app users and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: A significant interaction effect was found; participants using the app reported a significant reduction in depression scores between baseline and four-week follow-up. There was no significant effect on loneliness or anxiety scores. Interviews revealed ways app users were (1) Holding up a mirror to feelings about their social groups, (2) Re-appraising loneliness; and (3) Acting as analysts. Conclusion: The digital intervention reduced reported depression by enhancing positive appraisal of social groups. Further work is required to understand how to overcome risks of reflection-based apps for loneliness.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/41439/
Source: Scopus
Older adults can re-appraise loneliness using a social connectivity app: a mixed method intervention study.
Authors: Harkin, L., Stevenson, C., Fino, E., Talbot, C., Stuart, A., Park, M.S.-A., Lay, J., Katz, D., Price, B., Gooch, D.
Journal: Aging Ment Health
Publication Date: 21/10/2025
Pages: 1-12
eISSN: 1364-6915
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2025.2572017
Abstract:OBJECTIVES: Older adults face an elevated risk of social isolation, loneliness, and poor psychological health. This mixed methods study evaluates a trial of an intervention app designed to protect against loneliness by raising older adults' awareness of their social relationships. METHOD: A 4-week online mixed methods randomised 2 (condition: app use vs waitlist) x 3 (timepoint: baseline, 2 week, and 4 week wellbeing) trial, with follow up qualitative interviews. Older adults (N = 99, Mean Age = 68) completed a survey at three timepoints (baseline, two, and four weeks) reporting loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Forty-five post-trial interviews were conducted with the app users and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: A significant interaction effect was found; participants using the app reported a significant reduction in depression scores between baseline and four-week follow-up. There was no significant effect on loneliness or anxiety scores. Interviews revealed ways app users were (1) Holding up a mirror to feelings about their social groups, (2) Re-appraising loneliness; and (3) Acting as analysts. CONCLUSION: The digital intervention reduced reported depression by enhancing positive appraisal of social groups. Further work is required to understand how to overcome risks of reflection-based apps for loneliness.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/41439/
Source: PubMed
Older adults can re-appraise loneliness using a social connectivity app: a mixed method intervention study
Authors: Harkin, L., Stevenson, C., Fino, E., Talbot, C., Stuart, A., Park, M.S.-A., Lay, J., Katz, D., Price, B., Gooch, D.
Journal: AGING & MENTAL HEALTH
Publication Date: 10/10/2025
eISSN: 1364-6915
ISSN: 1360-7863
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2025.2572017
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/41439/
Source: Web of Science
Older adults can re-appraise loneliness using a social connectivity app: a mixed method intervention study
Authors: Harkin, L., Stevenson, C., Fino, E., Talbot, C., Stuart, A., Sang-Ah Park, M., Lay, J., Katz, D., Gooch, D., Price, B.
Journal: Aging & Mental Health
Publication Date: 29/12/2025
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
eISSN: 1364-6915
ISSN: 1360-7863
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2025.2572017
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/41439/
Source: Manual
Older adults can re-appraise loneliness using a social connectivity app: a mixed method intervention study.
Authors: Harkin, L., Stevenson, C., Fino, E., Talbot, C., Stuart, A., Park, M.S.-A., Lay, J., Katz, D., Price, B., Gooch, D.
Journal: Aging & mental health
Publication Date: 10/2025
Pages: 1-12
eISSN: 1364-6915
ISSN: 1360-7863
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2025.2572017
Abstract:Objectives
Older adults face an elevated risk of social isolation, loneliness, and poor psychological health. This mixed methods study evaluates a trial of an intervention app designed to protect against loneliness by raising older adults' awareness of their social relationships.Method
A 4-week online mixed methods randomised 2 (condition: app use vs waitlist) x 3 (timepoint: baseline, 2 week, and 4 week wellbeing) trial, with follow up qualitative interviews. Older adults (N = 99, Mean Age = 68) completed a survey at three timepoints (baseline, two, and four weeks) reporting loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Forty-five post-trial interviews were conducted with the app users and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results
A significant interaction effect was found; participants using the app reported a significant reduction in depression scores between baseline and four-week follow-up. There was no significant effect on loneliness or anxiety scores. Interviews revealed ways app users were (1) Holding up a mirror to feelings about their social groups, (2) Re-appraising loneliness; and (3) Acting as analysts.Conclusion
The digital intervention reduced reported depression by enhancing positive appraisal of social groups. Further work is required to understand how to overcome risks of reflection-based apps for loneliness.https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/41439/
Source: Europe PubMed Central