Group Psychotherapy for Loneliness

Overseen By Frankie Lui

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Lawson Health Research Institute

Disqualifiers: Disoriented, Delirious, Non-English speakers, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to help older adults who feel lonely and have a psychiatric disorder. Researchers seek to determine if group therapy focused on building awareness, courage, and love can reduce loneliness. Participants will either join the therapy group or remain on a waitlist as a control group. This trial suits older adults with a psychiatric disorder who can engage in group activities. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore innovative therapy methods that could enhance their well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this group psychotherapy is safe for older adults?

Research shows that the Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) group therapy is generally safe for patients. Previous studies on similar therapies have not reported any serious side effects, indicating that participants usually do not experience harmful effects. Although the current trial does not provide specific safety details, its advanced phase suggests confidence in its safety for participants.

Overall, evidence suggests that ACL group therapy is a safe option for reducing loneliness in older adults. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Group Psychotherapy for Loneliness because it targets feelings of loneliness through a unique approach called Awareness, Courage, and Love Group Psychotherapy. Unlike typical treatments for loneliness, which often involve medication or individual therapy, this method focuses on group dynamics to foster social connections and emotional resilience. This therapy encourages participants to build awareness of their emotions, develop the courage to express themselves, and cultivate love and empathy within a group setting, which can lead to more meaningful and supportive relationships. This innovative approach could offer a powerful alternative for those who feel isolated, providing them with tools to connect with others more deeply.

What evidence suggests that Awareness, Courage, and Love Group Psychotherapy is effective for loneliness?

Research has shown that the Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) Group Therapy, which participants in this trial may receive, can enhance social connections and improve well-being. Early findings suggest that group members feel less lonely and more connected to others. One study on online ACL groups found that participants experienced stronger social ties and greater satisfaction. These groups use conversations and activities to foster closer relationships and provide emotional support. Although more research is needed, the early results are promising for those who feel lonely. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Serena Wong, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

St. Joseph's Health Care London

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults who are experiencing loneliness and have psychiatric disorders. It aims to test a group therapy intervention specifically designed for geriatric psychiatry outpatients.

Inclusion Criteria

I am an older adult with a psychiatric condition.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive group psychotherapy intervention called Awareness, Courage, and Love Groups

8 weeks

8 sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feasibility and acceptability of the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Awareness, Courage, and Love Group Psychotherapy

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of 'Awareness, Courage, and Love Group Psychotherapy', which is based on functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) to address loneliness in older adults.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Treatment: Group psychotherapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Treatment group receiving psychotherapy

Group II: Waitlist Active Control 1 Intervention

Waitlist control

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lawson Health Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

684

Recruited

432,000+

London Health Sciences Centre OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

668

Recruited

424,000+

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

686

Recruited

427,000+

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Lead Sponsor

Trials

678

Recruited

421,000+

Western University, Canada

Collaborator

Trials

270

Recruited

62,500+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Group psychotherapy is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment method that combines social interaction and psychological insight, allowing patients to explore unconscious motivations and learn from each other in a supportive environment.

The success of group psychotherapy relies more on the therapist's commitment and facilitation skills than on the specific therapeutic approach used, highlighting the importance of a group-centered rather than leader-centered dynamic.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Group psychotherapy in psychiatry]. Battegay, R.[2006]

Group psychotherapy is a versatile treatment method that includes various approaches, such as activity, analytic, and psychodrama, tailored to meet the needs of different patient diagnoses, including drug dependence and schizophrenia.

Patients with different conditions, like depression and neuroses, benefit from group therapy in unique ways; for instance, depressives may take longer to integrate but find relief once they do, while neurotics gain insights that can lead to improved social behavior.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The different kinds of group psychotherapy with patients with different diagnoses. Battegay, R.[2019]

In a study of 180 in-patients undergoing group psychotherapy, 60-65% reported experiencing adverse events such as mood deterioration or unwanted treatment reactions, indicating that these therapies can have significant negative effects for many individuals.

The study found that while reports of unwanted treatment reactions decreased over time, they were negatively associated with symptom improvement, and 34% of patients prematurely terminated their therapy, highlighting the need to consider patient characteristics and group conditions as predictors of adverse events.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse events of group psychotherapy in the in-patient setting - results of a naturalistic trial. Schneibel, R., Wilbertz, G., Scholz, C., et al.[2019]

The adapted meaning-centered group psychotherapy (MCGP) significantly improved quality of life (QoL) and reduced distress among Portuguese cancer patients, with 91 participants showing notable benefits after just four sessions.

Participants in the MCGP group experienced significant decreases in depression and anxiety compared to those receiving usual care, highlighting the potential efficacy of this therapy in enhancing psychological well-being for cancer patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meaning-centered group psychotherapy in Portuguese cancer patients: A pilot exploratory trial. da Ponte, G., Ouakinin, S., Santo, JE., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11545820/

An Awareness, Courage, and Love Online Group ... This study aims to evaluate an online Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) group intervention designed to enhance social connectedness and subjective well-being

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06424483

Love Group for Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatients The objective of this clinical trial is to adapt, implement, and evaluate a type of loneliness group intervention called Awareness, Courage, and Love Groups for ...

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39517370/

Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial This study aims to evaluate an online Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) group intervention designed to enhance social connectedness and ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-loneliness-8-2024-63fe9

Group Psychotherapy for Loneliness · Info for Participants Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of 'Awareness, Courage, and Love Group Psychotherapy', which is based on functional analytic psychotherapy ...

5. cdn.clinicaltrials.gov cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/18/NCT05619718/Prot_SAP_000.pdf

A geriatric psychiatry inpatient pilot intervention for loneliness Inpatient psychiatry units are ideally suited for piloting a novel intervention for loneliness that is based on Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) groups.

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-loneliness-2-2023-639f2

Group Intervention for Loneliness · Info for Participants The goal of this pilot study is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a group loneliness intervention in geriatric psychiatry inpatients.