Design and Evaluation of a Behavioral Intervention to Promote Reconnection with Old Friends

Abstract

This study proposes a behavioral intervention to promote reconnection with old friends as a response to social isolation. We developed I-NOTE, a five-day workbook based on expressive writing and nostalgia. An experiment (N=78) showed a significant increase in Perceived Social Self-Efficacy (PSSE), and approximately 23% of participants reconnected with old friends. These findings indicate that I-NOTE acts as a psychological catalyst, while also emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations, including negative memories and participant psychological safety.