Identifying and treating loneliness in young adults in primary care

Project Type(s):

Principal Investigator(s):
Co-Investigator(s):

Loneliness, defined as the feeling of insufficient personal relationships, affects over 20% of young adults. Those with loneliness are more depressed and anxious and have poorer educational outcomes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and social navigation can successfully treat loneliness but previous studies have mostly looked at older adults.

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of identifying and alleviating loneliness in young adults identified in primary care practices. This project will screen young adults ages 18-25 presenting in primary care for loneliness and pilot the interventions of cognitive behavioral therapy and social navigation for those who test positive for loneliness.

Project Period:
January 1, 2023 — December 31, 2023

Funding Type(s):
Philanthropy

Funder(s):
Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions

Research Program(s):

Geographic Area(s):
WWAMI Region

Practice Type(s):
Primary Care

Patient Population(s):
Young Adults

Targeted Condition(s):
General Mental Well-Being