Social ConnectednessNCT07013357
Community Discussions and Social Participation
A study testing Virtual Community Intervention in people with Social Connectedness and Community Engagement, run by University of Pennsylvania at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This study evaluates a virtual program designed to boost the physical well-being goals, civic engagement, social connection, and anxiety of U.S. adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Social Connectedness, Community Engagement, Physical Wellbeing
- What is being tested?
- Virtual Community Intervention
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 185 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 4 Dec 2025to 19 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age: 18 years or older
- Residency: Must live in a U.S. state (including D.C. and U.S. territories)
- Technology access: Reliable internet, a webcam, and Zoom capability in a private space
- Language: Able to read and speak English (all materials and sessions are in English)
Who cannot join
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Under 18 years of age
- Not living in the U.S.
- Lack of reliable access to the required technology (e.g., internet-connected device)
- Unable to read and understand English at the level required for full participation in the study activities
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
About this study
Official title: Digital, Community-Advised, Social Action Cluster-Randomized Trial to Increase Civic Participation and Social Connection in the US
This study evaluates a virtual program designed to boost the physical well-being goals, civic engagement, social connection, and anxiety of U.S. adults.
Read the detailed description
This single-blind, cluster randomized controlled trial aims to develop a virtual intervention designed to support US adults who wish to work with others to achieve physical wellbeing goals, improve social connectedness, promote community engagement, and reduce anxiety. Research coordinators randomize 10 participants to facilitator-led intervention sessions, and 10 to self-run discussion sessions by assigning random computer generated codes, sorting in ascending order, and alternating "control" and "experimental" assignments. This project is funded by the Annenberg Endowment of the Division of Communication Science.
- Being tested
- Virtual Community Intervention, Control
- Keywords
- Virtual Intervention, Setting Goals, Civic Participation, Social Connection, Physical Well-being, Anxiety and Distress
- Medical subject headings
- Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Virtual Community InterventionBehavioural
Participants will attend three Virtual intervention sessions, hosted on Zoom and facilitated by trained research team members. Co-facilitators (comprised of lab staff) will also be there to ensure no technical difficulties and record the meeting. Sessions will be held at the same time each week for three weeks. After each session, facilitators will be assessed for fidelity based on feedback from the session quality assessment survey.
Every session will have its primary focus, respectively:
Session 1 will focus on fostering social connections. Session 2 will focus on setting mental/physical wellbeing goals. Session 3 will focus on pursuing similar goals for their community.
During the sessions, participants will work together and offer mutual support under the direction of the facilitator. Furthermore, facilitators will communicate with participants between sessions to check in on their progress toward their goals.
ControlBehavioural
Participants will attend three 90-minute Virtual self-help sessions, hosted on Zoom. Sessions will be held at the same time each week for three weeks, in parallel to the experimental condition. First, the co-facilitator will let participants into the Zoom room and begin the recording. After they introduce themselves, they will remain on mute/camera off for the entire meeting to handle technical difficulties or intervene when violations occur, for example, using inappropriate language. Co-facilitators may also interact with participants through the chat to provide referrals. Then, the discussion leader will explain their role and ask everyone to introduce themselves. As a group, they will set some ground rules. Then, the discussion leaders will guide the discussion, using the Self-Help Session Manual as a reference, which provides structure and reference questions to facilitate discussion. Beyond this guideline, participants can discuss anything they decide as a group.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention sessions along with GROV engagement | Experimental | Participants in the experimental group will attend three highly structured Virtual intervention sessions, hosted on Zoom and facilitated by trained research team members. They will also be encouraged to sign up for GROV after completing the baseline and are expected to engage with the GROV platform throughout the study period. The GROV platform will serve as a digital community space for ongoing interaction and discussion. Receives: Behavioral: Virtual Community Intervention |
| Self-help sessions without GROV engagement | Active comparator | Participants will attend loosely structured, self-run, virtual group self-help sessions at the same time and duration as intervention sessions. No discussion on the GROV platform for the control group. Receives: Behavioral: Control |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Physical Wellbeing Goal Progress
How much progress have you made towards this goal? (1, No progress | 2, Little progress | 3, Some progress | 4, Substantial progress | 5, Goal achieved)
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Civic Participation
In the past month (baseline)/since the beginning of this study (follow-up) have you participated in or taken action through a group or organization to improve yourself, your community, or help others? (0, No | 1, Yes)
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Social Connection
In the past month (baseline)/Since joining the study (follow-up), have you started a new social connection or re-established an old one? (0, No | 1, Yes)
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Anxiety
On a scale from 1, None of the time | 2, A little of the time | 3, Some of the time | 4, Most of the time | 5, All of the time ...
- In the past month (Baseline)/Since joining the study, about how often did you feel anxious?
- In the past month (Baseline)/Since joining the study, about how often did you feel restless or fidgety?
- In the past month (Baseline)/Since joining the study, about how often did you feel that everything took effort?
- In the past month (Baseline)/Since joining the study, about how often did you feel so sad that nothing could cheer you up?
Mean of 4 item raw score.
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Secondary outcomes (6)
Attitude toward Health
I feel confident in my ability to seek help for my health problems. I feel confident in my ability to solve my health problems. I feel comfortable with challenges related to solving my health problems.
Response Scale: 1, Not confident at all | 2, Slightly | 3, Somewhat | 4, Confident | 5, Very confident Score: Mean of 1-5 Scores
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Attitude toward Social Connections
How easy is it to get help from members of your community if you need it? 1, Impossible | 2, Difficult | 3, Possible | 4, Easy | 5, Very easy How often do you feel that there are people you can turn to? 1, Never | 2, Sometimes | 3, Often | 4, Most of the time | 5, Always To what extent were you hesitant to tell others what you want or need from them? 1, Very much | 2, Quite a bit | 3, Somewhat | 4, A little | 5, Not at all To what extent are you willing to seek support from others if you need it? 1, Not at all | 2, A little | 3, Somewhat | 4, Quite a bit | 5, Very much When you feel afraid, anxious, or uncertain, how often do you seek help or support from others in your life (e.g., reaching out to neighbors, joining support groups, attending social events?) 1, Never | 2, Sometimes | 3, Often | 4, Most of the time | 5, Always
Score: Mean of 1-5 Scores
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Political Trust
How much can you trust the federal government to do what is right regarding the social changes you want to make? (1, No trust | 2, Little | 3, Some | 4, Quite a lot | 5, A great deal ) How often can you trust your state government to do what is right when it comes to handling the social changes you want to make? (1, Never | 2, Rarely | 3, Sometimes | 4, Often | 5, Always ) How often can you trust your local government to do what is right when it comes to handling the social changes you want to make? (1, Never | 2, Rarely | 3, Sometimes | 4, Often | 5, Always )
Score: Mean of 1-5 scores
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Attitude toward Problem Solving
When I face problems, I am confident that I can solve them. How confident do you feel in your ability to achieve your goals? How comfortable are you with taking on new challenges? Response Scale: 1, Almost never | 2, Rarely | 3, Sometimes | 4, Often | 5, Almost always Score: Mean of 1-5 Scores
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Political Participation
How likely or unlikely are you to vote in the next local, state, or national elections? (1, Extremely unlikely | 2, Unlikely | 3, Neutral | 4, Likely | 5, Extremely likely)
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Attitude toward Civic Engagement
I feel responsible for the well-being of others in groups I belong to I am committed to help others in groups I belong to I believe that all citizens have a responsibility to their fellow citizens I believe that it is important to be informed of societal issues Response Scale: 1, Strongly disagree | 2, Disagree | 3, Neither | 4, Agree | 5, Strongly agree In the past month (Baseline)/Since the beginning of the study (follow-up), how concerned, if at all, were you about others with whom you are connected? Response Scale: 1, Not at all | 2, Slightly | 3, Moderately | 4, Very | 5, Extremely Score: Mean of 1-5 Scores
Measured: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Jun 2025
- Study start4 Dec 2025
- Primary completion19 Aug 2026
- Study completion19 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Social ConnectednessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of PennsylvaniaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Cohorts will be randomized to the experimental or control group.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 185 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Pennsylvania
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Dolores Albarracin, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Pennsylvania
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07013357
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 856943
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Jun 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Digital, Community-Advised, Social Action Cluster-Randomized Trial to Increase Civic Participation and Social Connection in the US
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07013357
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 856943
- Keywords
- Virtual Intervention, Setting Goals, Civic Participation, Social Connection, Physical Well-being, Anxiety and Distress
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 185 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of PennsylvaniaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 19 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 19 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study evaluates a virtual program designed to boost the physical well-being goals, civic engagement, social connection, and anxiety of U.S. adults.
Detailed description
This single-blind, cluster randomized controlled trial aims to develop a virtual intervention designed to support US adults who wish to work with others to achieve physical wellbeing goals, improve social connectedness, promote community engagement, and reduce anxiety. Research coordinators randomize 10 participants to facilitator-led intervention sessions, and 10 to self-run discussion sessions by assigning random computer generated codes, sorting in ascending order, and alternating "control" and "experimental" assignments. This project is funded by the Annenberg Endowment of the Division of Communication Science.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Cohorts will be randomized to the experimental or control group.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention sessions along with GROV engagement | Experimental | Behavioral: Virtual Community InterventionParticipants in the experimental group will attend three highly structured Virtual intervention sessions, hosted on Zoom and facilitated by trained research team members. They will also be encouraged to sign up for GROV after completing the baseline and are expected to engage with the GROV platform throughout the study period. The GROV platform will serve as a digital community space for ongoing interaction and discussion. |
| Self-help sessions without GROV engagement | Active comparator | Behavioral: ControlParticipants will attend loosely structured, self-run, virtual group self-help sessions at the same time and duration as intervention sessions. No discussion on the GROV platform for the control group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age: 18 years or older
- Residency: Must live in a U.S. state (including D.C. and U.S. territories)
- Technology access: Reliable internet, a webcam, and Zoom capability in a private space
- Language: Able to read and speak English (all materials and sessions are in English)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Inability to provide informed consent
- Under 18 years of age
- Not living in the U.S.
- Lack of reliable access to the required technology (e.g., internet-connected device)
- Unable to read and understand English at the level required for full participation in the study activities
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Community InterventionParticipants will attend three Virtual intervention sessions, hosted on Zoom and facilitated by trained research team members. Co-facilitators (comprised of lab staff) will also be there to ensure no technical difficulties and record the meeting. Sessions will be held at the same time each week for three weeks. After each session, facilitators will be assessed for fidelity based on feedback from the session quality assessment survey. Every session will have its primary focus, respectively: Session 1 will focus on fostering social connections. Session 2 will focus on setting mental/physical wellbeing goals. Session 3 will focus on pursuing similar goals for their community. During the sessions, participants will work together and offer mutual support under the direction of the facilitator. Furthermore, facilitators will communicate with participants between sessions to check in on their progress toward their goals. | Behavioural | Intervention sessions along with GROV engagement |
| ControlParticipants will attend three 90-minute Virtual self-help sessions, hosted on Zoom. Sessions will be held at the same time each week for three weeks, in parallel to the experimental condition. First, the co-facilitator will let participants into the Zoom room and begin the recording. After they introduce themselves, they will remain on mute/camera off for the entire meeting to handle technical difficulties or intervene when violations occur, for example, using inappropriate language. Co-facilitators may also interact with participants through the chat to provide referrals. Then, the discussion leader will explain their role and ask everyone to introduce themselves. As a group, they will set some ground rules. Then, the discussion leaders will guide the discussion, using the Self-Help Session Manual as a reference, which provides structure and reference questions to facilitate discussion. Beyond this guideline, participants can discuss anything they decide as a group. | Behavioural | Self-help sessions without GROV engagement |
Primary outcome
Physical Wellbeing Goal Progress
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
How much progress have you made towards this goal? (1, No progress | 2, Little progress | 3, Some progress | 4, Substantial progress | 5, Goal achieved)
Civic Participation
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
In the past month (baseline)/since the beginning of this study (follow-up) have you participated in or taken action through a group or organization to improve yourself, your community, or help others? (0, No | 1, Yes)
Social Connection
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
In the past month (baseline)/Since joining the study (follow-up), have you started a new social connection or re-established an old one? (0, No | 1, Yes)
Anxiety
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
On a scale from 1, None of the time | 2, A little of the time | 3, Some of the time | 4, Most of the time | 5, All of the time ... * In the past month (Baseline)/Since joining the study, about how often did you feel anxious? * In the past month (Baseline)/Since joining the study, about how often did you feel restless or fidgety? * In the past month (Baseline)/Since joining the study, about how often did you feel that everything took effort? * In the past month (Baseline)/Since joining the study, about how often did you feel so sad that nothing could cheer you up? Mean of 4 item raw score.
6 secondary outcomes
Attitude toward Health
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Attitude toward Social Connections
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Political Trust
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Attitude toward Problem Solving
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Political Participation
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Attitude toward Civic Engagement
Time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Dolores Albarracin, PhD principal investigator
University of Pennsylvania
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Virtual Community Intervention in people with Social Connectedness and Community Engagement, run by University of Pennsylvania at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Physical Wellbeing Goal Progress (time frame: Measured at Baseline, Immediate Follow-Up (1 week after the last session), and Three-Month Follow-Up). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Aug 2026.