JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Loneliness has sharply increased since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, in part, due to disruptions in social relationships and routines, with college students exhibiting the greatest increases. Preventions to address loneliness have been developed but have not achieved high rates of success, perhaps because a key factor in addressing loneliness is focusing on the quality of existing relationships as opposed to promoting social interactions during moments of peak loneliness.

Objective:

Relational savoring, an intervention grounded in principles of attachment theory and positive psychology, was designed to encourage savoring positive experiences and facilitate connectedness with others. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of an mhealth adaptation of relational savoring (mSavorUs)delivered to college students in the service of preventing loneliness.

Methods:

Using a randomized controlled design, this pilot study evaluated a just-in-time digital health prevention and intervention for loneliness prevention. A smart ring, smart watch, and smartphone application were used for ubiquitous monitoring of loneliness and health (i.e., physiology, sleep, behavior). Within a diverse sample of n=29 college students (43.3% Latinx, 40% Asian American, 16.7% White), we tested two aims. First, we examined the utility, benefits, and problems of each feature of the intervention along with the ubiquitous monitoring systems. Second, we examined whether the prevention resulted in reductions in feelings of loneliness and increased connectedness.

Results:

Aim One qualitative results indicated that participants found the intervention to be rewarding and helpful, but found the timing of the intervention disruptive. Aim Two quantitative results did not reveal reductions in loneliness or increased connectedness, suggesting modifications are needed.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that the content of the prevention program (mSavorUs) may be beneficial but the just-in-time-delivery modality reduce program benefits. Clinical Trial: The study was not preregistered.