Randomized controlled trial on the impact of befriending on depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social support in older people in aged care
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Colleen Doyle: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8319-4944
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined the impact of befriending on depression, anxiety, perceived social support and loneliness in older people living in residential aged care homes. Methods: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial compared depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15), anxiety symptoms (Geriatric Anxiety Inventory), loneliness (UCLA loneliness scale), and perceived social support (Lubben Social Network Scale) measured at baseline, 8 weeks and 16 weeks post baseline for people randomized to receive either befriending or usual care. Trial registration ANZCTR N12619000676112. Results: Among N = 345 participants, a significant reduction in depressive symptoms for people receiving befriending compared to the control group: 0.76 points lower on GDS at 8 weeks and 0.95 lower at 16 weeks (Cohen’s d = -0.458). Loneliness (UCLA) was 2.39 units lower than the control group at 8 weeks and 2.71 units lower at 16 weeks (Cohen’s d −0.481). There was no significant difference for anxiety symptoms or perceived social support. Conclusions: Befriending led to a small improvement in depressive symptoms and loneliness in older people living in residential aged care. Clinical Implications: The improvement in depressive symptoms and loneliness indicates that befriending may be a useful supplement to psychological services for those living in residential aged care.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2025
Publication Title
Clinical Gerontologist
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
School of Arts and Humanities
Funders
National Health and Medical Research Council / Beyond Blue / Perpetual Impact
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : GNT1151065
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Fearn, M., Harper, R., Major, G., Bhar, S., Bryant, C., Dow, B., Dunt, D., Mnatzaganian, G., Ratcliffe, J., Dudgeon, P., Clarke-Errey, S., & Doyle, C. (2025). Randomized controlled trial on the impact of befriending on depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social support in older people in aged care. Clinical Gerontologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2025.2579846