Description

The Social Connectedness Scale (SCSL-36) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess the extent to which individuals feel connected to other people and integrated within their social environment.

Social connectedness is closely associated with a sense of belonging, interpersonal closeness, social acceptance, and the perception of being part of a broader social network.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the SCSL-36 is to provide a reliable and valid measure of social connectedness.

The scale may be used in research settings to examine relationships between social connectedness and other psychological or social variables, including mental health, quality of life, self-esteem, and social support.

It may also be applied in clinical and counseling contexts to identify difficulties in social integration and to support interventions aimed at strengthening social relationships and overall well-being.

Research and Clinical Applications

The SCSL-36 can be used in studies focusing on social isolation, sense of belonging, interpersonal relationships, psychological distress, and social identity.

It may also be useful for examining associations between social connectedness and variables such as anxiety, self-esteem, perceived social support, and quality of life.

Repeated administration may help evaluate changes in social integration following psychosocial or counseling interventions.

Psychometric Analysis

Psychometric evaluation of the scale may include assessment of internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha, along with validity testing.

Depending on the research design, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) may also be used to examine the underlying factor structure and the adequacy of the measurement model.

These analyses help determine whether the scale measures social connectedness consistently and accurately.

Scoring

The scale typically uses a 6-point Likert-type response format, in which participants indicate their degree of agreement with statements related to social connectedness.

Responses range from:

1 = Strongly Disagree to 6 = Strongly Agree.

Total scores are calculated by summing the individual item responses. Higher scores indicate greater levels of social connectedness.

The exact scoring procedures of the specific version should be followed, particularly where reverse-scored items are included.

Interpretation

Higher scores reflect a stronger sense of social connection, belonging, and closeness to others, whereas lower scores may indicate reduced belongingness or greater social disconnection.

Scores should be interpreted in relation to the characteristics of the population and the social or clinical context in which the scale is administered, rather than as a stand-alone diagnostic indicator.

References

Lee, R. M., & Robbins, S. B. (1995). Measuring belongingness: The Social Connectedness and the Social Assurance Scales. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 42(2), 232–241.

Lee, R. M., & Robbins, S. B. (1998). The relationship between social connectedness and anxiety, self-esteem, and social identity. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 45(3), 338–345.

Lee, R. M., Draper, M., & Lee, S. (2001). Social connectedness, dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors, and psychological distress: Testing a mediator model. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 48(3), 310–318.