Scale-Description

The Differential Loneliness Scale (DLS) is a scale designed to assess the feeling of loneliness in different social contexts. Developed by Schmidt and Sermat in 1983, it has been widely used to measure levels of loneliness in various categories, such as friendships, family, workplace, and intimate relationships. The DLS looks at how individuals may experience loneliness in specific areas of their lives, as loneliness is not always uniform.

Data Analysis and Usage

The DLS uses a questionnaire with statements that participants are asked to evaluate, usually on a Likert scale. The categories of loneliness are analyzed separately to reveal specific patterns related to different social roles. The data collected through the scale can be analyzed using statistical methods such as:
Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) to estimate the level of loneliness in each social context.
Factor analysis to determine the main dimensions of loneliness.
Correlation to examine relationships between loneliness and other psychological factors such as anxiety or depression.

Purpose

The purpose of the DLS is to allow for an understanding of loneliness not just as a general feeling of isolation but as a phenomenon related to specific social relationships. For example, someone might feel lonely in their friendships but not in their family relationships, or vice versa. A deeper understanding of the sources of loneliness can help develop targeted interventions to address this condition.

Calibration

The calibration of the DLS is performed through pilot studies, where the questionnaire is applied to population samples to test its validity and reliability. Techniques typically used include:
Test-retest reliability to ensure the consistency of responses.
Internal consistency analysis (Cronbach’s Alpha) to examine the homogeneity of the statements.
Calibration may also involve the use of translated versions of the scale in various cultural populations to ensure cross-cultural validity.

Bibliography

Schmidt, N., & Sermat, V. (1983). Measuring loneliness in different relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(5), 1038–1047.
Russell, D. (1996). UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3): Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 66(1), 20–40.
De Jong-Gierveld, J., & Van Tilburg, T. (2006). A 6-item scale for overall, emotional, and social loneliness: Confirmatory tests on survey data. Research on Aging, 28(5), 582–598.