Need to be Needed (N2BN) Intervention

🩺 Protocol Summary

The proposed study is a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) that will examine the effectiveness of an intervention designed to reduce social isolation and loneliness of adults with serious mental illness (SMI). The intervention will focus on improving their sense of mattering by using acts of kindness and experiencing gratitude through volunteering. 120 participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention group or the attention control group. Over the course of the 6-month intervention, participants in the intervention arm, will receive weekly support from the interventionist. The interventionist and the participant will collaboratively set goals and develop an initial intervention plan, which is informed by the participants interests, values and goals. The attention control group will receive non-directive listening support through research assistants. Data collection for all participants will occur at baseline, at the mid-point of the intervention at 3 months, and at the end of the 6-month intervention. Participants will be asked questions about quality of experience, social context and satisfaction, mattering components, kindness, gratitude, and loneliness. We will gather data on demographic background, life transitions, social network characteristics, internalized stigma, neighborhood climate, depression, and trait measures of mattering and loneliness during intake and exit interviews. Additionally, participants of the intervention arm will be asked to provide feedback about the intervention.

Primary Research Facility: Hall Mercer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Review these 3 basic logistical and protocol criteria extracted from the public NIH record. (This is a preliminary logistical checklist, not an official clinical eligibility determination).

Diagnosed with, undergoing evaluation for, or seeking treatment related to Loneliness?

🔍 Study Population / Focus Area (Source: Protocol Primary Condition)

Aged between 18 Years and 99 Years?

🔍 Protocol Specified Age Range: 18 Years to 99 Years

Able to attend required clinic visits at Hall Mercer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)?

🔍 Logistical Requirement: Site at Hall Mercer

📍 Primary Site Map

Site: Hall Mercer — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

💰 Clinical Trial Costs & Insurance Coverage

Coverage for clinical trial participation varies depending on your health insurance policy, state legislation, and whether specific procedures are investigational research or routine medical care. Under federal law (Affordable Care Act § 2709), health insurers generally cannot drop coverage or refuse to pay for routine patient care costs incurred in approved clinical trials.

💡 Always ask the study coordinator for the trial's official Informed Consent Form, which outlines all sponsor-funded research items versus procedures billed to your insurance.