Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Loneliness in Hong Kong Younger Adults
Group-Based Positive Affect Intervention for Loneliness Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Hong Kong Young Adults
Education University of Hong Kong
110 participants
Mar 31, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based Positive Affect (PA) intervention compared to an active control condition, Social Skills Training (SST), in reducing loneliness among young adults in Hong Kong. It further examines the psychological mechanisms underlying intervention effects, specifically the roles of positive affect and perceived social support as mediators, and rejection sensitivity as a moderator influencing both treatment responsiveness and outcome translation.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- aged 18 to 30 years
- proficiency in Cantonese
- experiencing loneliness (defined as a score of ≥ 6 on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale)
Exclusion Criteria3
- cognitive impairments
- psychiatric disorders, learning disabilities, or active suicidal ideation
- currently participating in other psychotherapy or psychosocial interventions aimed at enhancing well-being
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Interventions
A 4-week intervention consisting of eight skills aimed at enhancing positive affect, delivered via gourp-based psychoeduction by trained facilitators. Participants will learn skills such as gratitude, mindfulness, and positive reappraisal, with sessions held once a week.
The SST intervention serves as an active control and focuses on improving interpersonal competence. It includes training in social behavior styles (assertive, shy, aggressive), initiating and maintaining social interactions, setting boundaries, giving and receiving feedback, and conflict resolution. Improvements in interpersonal competence are expected to enhance perceived social support, which in turn reduces loneliness. The intervention will be held within 4-week.
Locations(1)
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NCT07543653