Effectiveness evaluation of a psychosocial blended intervention to reduce social isolation and promote well-being among international students

Loneliness and social isolation have profound implications for people's health and well-being, particularly among young adults and international students. This study aims to address the need for interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness in the context of international students' experiences. A blended intervention approach was designed, combining in-person group activities to foster social connections and online self-help resources to enhance personal resources. The intervention was compared with three other active interventions and a control condition. A sample of N=49 international students from the University of Padua participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected using self-report clinical questionnaires measuring well-being, social support, and loneliness. Findings suggest that the blended intervention may positively impact international students' well-being and social support. Implications for designing effective interventions for international students and combating social isolation are discussed. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and enhance the intervention's efficacy.