Smartphone App to Address Loneliness Among College Students: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Loneliness is a widespread and significant problem on college campuses. Prolonged loneliness in young adulthood is a risk factor for concurrent and future mental health problems and attrition, making college a critical time for support. Cognitive and behavioral interventions show promise for decreasing loneliness and can be widely disseminated through technology.

Objective

This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the initial efficacy, feasibility, and desirability of a smartphone app, Nod, designed to deliver cognitive and behavioral skill-building exercises to reduce loneliness during the transition to college.

Methods

First-year college students (N=221, mean age 18.7 years, 59% female) were recruited online during incoming student o

SUBMITTER: Bruehlman-Senecal E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7609198 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature