UCLA Loneliness Scale [UCLA-22]

Description

The UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-22) is a psychometric instrument used to assess subjective loneliness and social isolation. According to the source material, it includes 20 items, with both positively and negatively worded statements.

Purpose

The scale measures feelings of loneliness and social alienation, focusing on the individual’s personal experience rather than the actual number of social contacts.

Scoring

Responses are summed to produce a total score, with negatively worded items reverse-scored. Higher scores indicate greater perceived loneliness.

Reliability and Validity

The Greek adaptation has demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s α = 0.87. Evidence of construct validity has also been reported through associations with measures of social support.

Applications

The scale can be used in research on mental health, aging, social relationships, well-being, and psychosocial vulnerability.

References

Russell, D. (1996). The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3): Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 66, 20–40.

Kafetsios, K., & Sideridis, G. (2006). Attachment, social support, and well-being in younger and older adults. Journal of Health Psychology, 11(6), 867–879.