Brief Description

The scale measures the subjective perception of loneliness and social isolation. It consists of 20 items (10 positively and 10 negatively worded), which reflect the intensity of the individual’s feelings of loneliness.

Purpose

The scale was developed to assess feelings of loneliness and social alienation. Its aim is to capture the individual’s personal experience, regardless of their actual number of social contacts, and to evaluate their need for social support and connection.

Scoring Method

Scoring is done by summing the responses, with the negatively worded items reversed during evaluation. A higher total score indicates a greater degree of loneliness.

Validity

The scale has been shown to correlate significantly with indicators of mental health issues and social support. For example, it is negatively correlated with the Support Satisfaction Scale (r = –0.49, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the Social Support Questionnaire (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), indicating satisfactory construct validity.

Reliability

The internal consistency reliability of the Greek adaptation of the scale has been assessed as good. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients reach 0.87 in Greek samples, supporting the homogeneity of the items and the stability of the measurement.

Data Analysis and Use

Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation), as well as factor analysis to explore the structure of loneliness. The scale can be used as a variable in research on mental health, aging, social relationships, and vulnerability. It is suitable for both research and clinical assessment.

Key References

Kafetsios, K., & Sideridis, G. (2006). Attachment, social support, and well-being in younger and older adults. Journal of Health Psychology, 11(6), 867–879.
Kafetsios, K. & Petratou, A. (2005). Emotional intelligence abilities, social support, and quality of life. Elefthera: Scientific Journal of the Department of Psychology, University of Crete, 2, 129–150.
Russell, D. (1996). The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3): Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 66, 20–40.
Cutrona, C. E., de la Mora, A., & Wallace, R. B. (1997). Loneliness and nursing home admission among the rural elderly. Psychology and Aging, 12, 574–589.