Internet-Based CBT for Loneliness (1 CE)

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and MFTs

Course By: Rachel Schoor, Ph.D.

Content by: Käll, A., Jägholm, S., Hesser, H., Andersson, F., Mathaldi, A., Norkvist, B. T., ... & Andersson, G. (2020). Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy for loneliness: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Behavior therapy, 51 (1), 54-68. 

Course Description: Loneliness is defined as the discrepancy between the actual and desired social situation and has been associated with a wide range of psychiatric and psychosocial problems. Few studies have investigated interventions to improve loneliness. However, some existing studies indicate that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) may be able to reduce feelings of loneliness. The present study explored the efficacy of an internet delivered CBT intervention in reducing participant’s feelings of loneliness. Seventy-three participants were recruited from the general public and were randomly assigned in equal proportions to receive either 8- weeks of CBT, or a wait-list control condition. Standardized self-report measures were used to assess participants’ pretreatment and posttreatment levels of loneliness, worry, depression, and quality of life. Linear regression analyses demonstrated statistically significant and moderate treatment effects on loneliness (between group Cohen’s D= 0.77) as well as quality of life and social anxiety compared to the control group at the post assessment. The results demonstrate the potential utility of CBT for alleviating loneliness.  However, additional research is needed to investigate the long-term effect of CBT on loneliness, and to further investigate the specific components of the CBT intervention that are responsible for the reduction of loneliness.

Learning Objectives:

1. Be able to define loneliness and identify at least 3 psychosocial problems associated with loneliness
2. Be able to identify at least 4 CBT intervention strategies that are helpful in reducing client loneliness
3. Be able to identify at least 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses of this study

Course Outline

• Read and understand Internet-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the study
• Work through the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the respective article
• Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to better understand how an online CBT intervention can be used to reduce clients’ feelings of loneliness

Approvals: