Effectiveness of Group Therapy in Reducing Loneliness Among Elderly Residents of Care Homes in Lagos State

This study evaluates the effectiveness of group therapy in reducing loneliness and improving psychological wellbeing among elderly residents of registered care homes in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. The institutionalisation of older adults, while increasing in urban Nigeria, represents a significant transition from traditional multigenerational family caregiving, with social isolation and loneliness emerging as prominent mental health concerns for care home residents. This research employed a randomised controlled trial design involving 72 elderly residents aged 65 years and above from three care homes in Ikeja and Lekki. Participants were randomly assigned to a 12-session structured group therapy programme or a social activity control condition. Loneliness was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Version 3, while psychological wellbeing was evaluated using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Mixed-methods ANOVA with repeated measures was applied. Results indicate that participants in the group therapy condition demonstrated significant reductions in loneliness scores from baseline to post-intervention and maintained gains at follow-up, while control participants showed no significant change. Group belonging and emotional disclosure within sessions were identified as the primary therapeutic mechanisms by qualitative exit interviews. The study recommends that care home operators in Lagos State incorporate structured psychological group activities as a standard component of resident wellbeing programmes. Keywords: group therapy, loneliness, elderly residents, care homes, Lagos State.