Adaption of the Loneliness in Intimate Relationships Scale (LIRS) to Turkish

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate how loneliness is experienced in intimate relationships adapt, validate and assess the reliability of the Loneliness in Intimate Relationships Scale developed by Rokach, Sha'ked and Ben-Artzi (2022) for Turkish culture. The study group consists of 363 participants (229 females, 124 males) selected through an appropriate sampling method, ranging in age from 18 to 54.The translation-back-translation method was used during the process of translating the scale into Turkish. This scale consists of three factors with 14 items: separation, hurt, and guilt. The factor structure of the original scale was examined through confirmatory factor analysis, and it was found that the model exhibited acceptable fit. According to the analysis results, item factor loadings ranged from .46 to .64, showing variability. The reliability analysis resulted in a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of .85 to establish the validity of the scale for the sample, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Experiences in Close Relationships Revised-II Scale were administered to a total of 123 individuals. Based on the analysis, it can be said that the original scale has acceptable criterion-related validity based on its positive relationship with anxious attachment and depression. The results of the study indicate that the Turkish version of the Loneliness in Intimate Relationships Scale has validity and reliability properties, making it suitable for use in scientific studies conducted in Türkiye.