Loading...
A pilot randomised controlled trial of the Peer Tree digital intervention targeting loneliness in young people: a study protocol
Lim, Michelle H. Thurston, Lily Eres, Robert Rodebaugh, Thomas L. Álvarez-Jiménez, Mario Penn, David L. Kostakos, Vassilis Gleeson, John F. M.
Lim, Michelle H.
Thurston, Lily
Eres, Robert
Rodebaugh, Thomas L.
Álvarez-Jiménez, Mario
Penn, David L.
Kostakos, Vassilis
Gleeson, John F. M.
Abstract
Background
Young people are vulnerable to experiencing problematic levels of loneliness which can lead to poor mental health outcomes. Loneliness is a malleable treatment target and preliminary evidence has shown that it can be addressed with digital platforms. Peer Tree is a strength-based digital smartphone application aimed at reducing loneliness. The study aim is to reduce loneliness and assess the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of Peer Tree in young people enrolled at university.
Methods
This will be a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing a strength-based digital smartphone application (Peer Tree) with a control condition. Forty-two young people enrolled at university will be recruited for this pilot RCT. Participants with suicidal ideation or behaviours, acute psychiatric symptoms in the past month, or a current diagnosis of a mood or social anxiety disorder will be excluded. Allocation will be made on a 1:1 ratio and will occur after the initial baseline assessment. Assessments are completed at baseline, at post-intervention, and at follow-up. Participants in the control condition complete the same three assessment sessions. The primary outcome of the study will be loneliness. Depression, social anxiety, quality of life, acceptability, usability, feasibility, and safety of Peer Tree will also be measured as secondary outcomes.
Discussion
This trial will report the findings of implementing Peer Tree, a smartphone application aimed at reducing loneliness in university students. Findings from this trial will highlight the initial efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of using digital positive psychology interventions to reduce subthreshold mental health concerns. Findings from this trial will also describe the safety of Peer Tree as a digital tool. Results will contribute evidence for positive psychology interventions to address mental ill-health.
Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12619000350123. Registered on 6 March 2020
Keywords
digital technology, e-mental health, randomised controlled trial, mental health, strength-based, loneliness, university students, young adults
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
Trials
Book
Volume
24
Issue
1
Page Range
1-13
Article Number
Article 77
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open