ABOUT i-CONNECT

THE i-CONNECT PROGRAM

Loneliness is a potentially debilitating psychological condition characterized by a deep sense of social isolation, emptiness, worthlessness, lack of control and personal threat. The research evidence is clear that adolescence is the peak period of high risk for loneliness with up to 80% of young people reporting feelings of loneliness at some time. Moreover, a significant percentage describes these feelings as persistent and painful. Of great concern is that if left unattended, loneliness has serious consequences for cognition, emotion, behaviour and a myriad of adverse physical, psychological, social and mental health outcomes.

Currently, however, no specific programs have been developed to prevent or moderate loneliness in young people. i-Connect is a Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation (Healthway) funded program specifically developed by the University of Western Australia and The University of Queensland through rigorous empirical research to prevent and address feelings of loneliness.

Using engaging and interactive graphics and activities, students work through three modules "Take charge", "Chill out" and "Think again". In "Take Charge" the aim is to develop the skills of friendship, valuing others, communicating well, and joining in conversations. In "Chill Out", students learn about the experience of loneliness, inclusive conversations, virtual friends and chilling out. The third module "Think Again" uses Cognitive Bias Modification methodologies. By changing the cognitive processes involved in young people’s interpretation of feelings of loneliness, their vulnerability and dysfunction to loneliness can be reduced and they become more optimistic and positive thinkers.

Each session within the modules takes only 15 to 20 minutes to complete and is self-directed and self-paced. The end of each session provides a quick recap for students to remember the key elements of the session. The program is evidence-based in that students complete pre- and post-test measures to ensure that gains are being made by involvement in the program.

OVERVIEW OF THE TAKE CHARGE AND CHILL OUT MODULES

Take charge - Understanding ourselves and engaging with others Chill out - Understanding the perspectives of others and being comfortable on our own
Session 1 Friendships
  • To understand what makes a good friend and the importance of friendships
  • To learn skills to make and maintain positive friendships
 Experiencing Loneliness
  • To understand the experience of students who are lonely
  • To learn how to recognise the difference between students who are lonely versus enjoying time alone
Session 2 Valuing Ourselves
  • To improve your positive thinking
  • To recognise your strengths
 Conversations
  • To learn how to include classmates in conversations
Session 3 Communication is the Key
  • To recognise and be aware of non-verbal communication
  • To become more aware of verbal communication
 Virtual Friends
  • To understand the difference between real friends and virtual friends, and to normalise online friendships
  • To become more aware of who you allow into your virtual world through social networking sites
Session 4 Joining in Conversations
  • To learn strategies to start and join in on conversations
  • To become more aware of communicating online
 Chill Out
  • To understand the importance of chilling out and spending quality time alone

Acknowledgement

We wish to acknowledge the contribution of Amanda Bourgeois in the development of the Modules 1 and 2 i-Connect content. Also we are indebted to Winthrop Professor Colin MacLeod and Ben Grafton for their contribution in developing the third module and advising on CBMI. We acknowledge the contribution of Dr. Karen Martin in the early stages of the research project.