Effects of Informational Messages on Immediate Behavioral Intentions for the Primary Prevention of Social Isolation and Loneliness

This study examined whether informational messages for preventing social isolation and loneliness influence immediate behavioral intentions. A web-based randomized controlled trial compared three groups: no message, a message encouraging participation in community initiatives, and a message encouraging me-time in town. Among 2,460 respondents, me-time intention was higher than participation or contribution intentions. The me-time message was associated with higher me-time intention than no message. Significant group differences were observed only among non-isolated and non-lonely respondents. Ordinal logistic regression found no significant interaction with LSNS-6 or TIL. These findings suggest that message content may influence immediate, self-reported, short-term me-time intention.