The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for loneliness via inter-relay-chat among people with physical disabilities

This study examines the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic services via computer-mediated communication (CMC). Its main purpose is to determine if goal-oriented cognitive-behavioral group teletherapy via inter-relay-chat (IRC) can reduce feelings of loneliness among chronically lonely people with physical disabilities. Using a comparison design with pretest, posttest, follow-up, and a waititig-list control, 19 participants formed 7 groups of 2-3 people. Results indicate that participants felt less lonely after intervention. Moreover, participants who completed the intervention felt less lonely at posttest than a similar group that had been placed in a waiting-list control. Furthermore, results indicate that gains were maintained at a 4-month follow-up. The results of this study are discussed, along with its practical implications and future directions for research.