Short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale Research Articles

Australian link worker social prescribing programs: An integrative review.

Link worker social prescribing programs are gaining recognition in Australia for addressing health and social needs outside routine medical care. The evaluation of these programs is essential for informing future social prescribing programs, research and evolving policy. However, diverse outcome evaluation measures present challenges for benchmarking across link worker social prescribing programs. An integrative review was conducted to identify and describe outcome domains and measures, and the methodological approaches and evaluation designs of link worker social prescribing programs in Australia. Comprehensive searches of the literature on link worker social prescribing programs in Australia were conducted across 14 electronic databases. In order to reduce the risk of bias, study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by multiple authors, and included studies underwent quality and risk of bias assessment using the standardised Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcome domains were categorised into 'person-level', 'system-level' and 'program implementation' domains. Despite the variation in participant groups, the 'person-level' domains of global well-being and social well-being were consistently evaluated. While measurement tools varied significantly, the WHO Quality of Life Brief Assessment and short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale were most commonly applied. At the system level, health service utilisation was primarily evaluated. This integrative review reports on the current state of evidence in Australia, with the potential to track changes and trends over time. Developing a core outcome set, incorporating stakeholder and consumer contributions for benchmarking aligned with the healthcare landscape is recommended. The findings may guide the refining of social prescribing initiatives and future research, ensuring methodological robustness and alignment with individual and community needs.

The positive solitude scale (PS): psychometric properties among Chinese older

BackgroundPositive solitude, taken as a meaningful activity, contributes to the improvement of health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Positive Solitude Scale (PS) among Chinese older to provide a reference for related research.MethodsA convenience sample of 608 older people from 10 provinces in China was used to conduct the survey.ResultsThe Chinese version of the PS consisted of 9 items with a unidimensional structure, which could explain 60.91% of the variance. The factor loadings of each item ranged from 0.67 to 0.82, and the communality ranged from 0.44 to 0.68. The confirmatory factor analysis showed good model fit (χ2/df = 2.771, RMSEA = 0.076, CFI = 0.972, IFI = 0.972, TLI = 0.959, PNFI = 0.665, PCFI = 0.675). It was found from the criterion-related validity test that PS scores were significantly and positively correlated with Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness scores (r = 0.45 to 0.44); PS scores were significantly and negatively correlated with Short-Form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Ego Depletion Scale (EDS), and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-2nd Edition (AAQ-II) (r = -0.27 to -0.36). The Cronbach’s α coefficient value for the scale was 0.917; the split-half reliability coefficient value was 0.928. In addition, the PS showed cross-gender consistency.ConclusionsThe PS presented favorable psychometric characteristics in older people, which can be used as a valid tool for assessing older people’s positive solitude.

Analyzing the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy in Protecting Against Substance Use and Loneliness in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

To analyze the relationship between self-efficacy in protecting against substance use and loneliness in adolescents. This descriptive, cross-sectional study comprised 400 adolescents. A Sociodemographic Data Form, Self-Efficacy for Adolescents Protecting Against Substance Abuse Scale (SEAPSAS), and Short-Form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) were used for data collection. Regression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis, as well as descriptive statistics, were used in data analysis. Mean ULS-8 total score was 17.94 (SD = 5.07) and mean SEAPSAS total score was 68.78 (SD = 17.59). A weak significant negative relationship was found between mean ULS-8 total score and mean SEAPSAS subdimensions and total score. As a result of regression analysis, it was determined that ULS-8 total score negatively affected mean SEAPSAS total score by 24.9% (R2 = 0.249; B = -1.713; p < 0.001). Loneliness in adolescents, which was observed to negatively impact self-efficacy in protecting against substance use, should be addressed by psychiatric nurses through prevention activities and support programs and services, such as early detection and intervention. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(9), 29-36.].

How loneliness linked to anxiety and depression: a network analysis based on Chinese university students

BackgroundThere is conclusive evidence of a multifaceted and bidirectional relationship between loneliness and depression and anxiety. Nonetheless, more extensive research is needed to examine their relationships at a more granular level. This study employed a network analysis approach to identify the pathological mechanisms underpinning those relationships and to identify important bridge nodes as potential targets for intervention.Methods941 University students were included in this study. The ULS-6 (the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale) was used to assess loneliness, the PHQ-9 (Patient Health questionnaire-9) and GAD-7 (Generalized anxiety disorder 7-item) scales were used to assess the symptoms of depression and anxiety. We constructed two network structures of loneliness-anxiety and loneliness-depression and computed bridge expected influence for each symptom. In addition, we showed a flow network of “Suicide” containing symptoms of depression and loneliness.ResultsAll edges were positive in both networks constructed and the strongest edges were present within disorder communities. The overall connection between loneliness and depression was stronger compared to anxiety. The results demonstrated that the loneliness item “People are around me but not with me” was identified as bridge symptom in both networks. Furthermore, “Suicide” was directly connected to five symptoms of depression and four items of loneliness, with the strongest connections being between it and “Feeling of worthlessness” and “Psychomotor agitation/retardation”.ConclusionsOur findings provide a more nuanced explanation of the link between loneliness and depression and anxiety. The results identified the bridge symptom “People are around me but not with me”, which had the strongest effect on enhancing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Clinical improvements based on the findings of this study and the impact of the intervention are discussed.

An Entertainment-Education Video and Written Messages to Alleviate Loneliness in Germany: Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.

More than half of adults in Germany have felt lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies highlight the importance of boosting positive emotions and social connectedness to combat loneliness. However, interventions targeting these protective psychosocial resources remain largely untested. In this study, we aim to test the feasibility of a short animated storytelling video, written messages boosting social connectedness, and a combination of both for alleviating loneliness. We enrolled 252 participants who were 18 years or older and spoke fluent German. Participants were recruited from a previous study on loneliness in Germany. We measured the effects of a combination of an animated video and written messages (intervention A), an animated video (intervention B), and written messages (intervention C) on loneliness, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and hope. We compared these with a control arm, which did not receive any intervention. The animated video was developed by Stanford University School of Medicine to reflect experiences of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and convey messages of hope and solidarity. The written messages communicate four findings from recent studies on loneliness in Germany: (1) over a period of 6 months, 66% of respondents in Germany reported feeling lonely (feelings of loneliness are surprisingly common); (2) physical activity can ease feelings of loneliness; (3) focusing on "what really matters" in one's life can help to ease feelings of loneliness; and (4) turning to friends for companionship and support can ease feelings of loneliness. Participants were randomized 1:1:1:1 to interventions A, B, C, and the control condition, using the randomization feature of the web-based platform "Unipark," on which our trial takes place. Both the study investigators and analysts were blinded to the trial assignments. The primary outcome, loneliness, was measured using the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8). Our secondary outcomes included the scores of the Coping with Loneliness Questionnaire, the 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the 10-item General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the 12-item Adult Hope Scale (AHS). We observed no statistically significant effect of the tested interventions on loneliness scores, controlling for the baseline loneliness score before an intervention (all P values >.11). However, we observed significantly greater intention to cope with loneliness after exposure to an animated video when compared with the control (β=4.14; t248=1.74; 1-tailed P=.04). Our results provide meaningful evidence for the feasibility of a full-scale study. Our study sheds light on the intention to cope with loneliness and explores the potential for creative digital interventions to enhance this psychological precursor, which is integral to overcoming loneliness. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00027116; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00027116.

The negative impact of loneliness and perceived stress on mental health during two-month lockdown in Shanghai

BackgroundShanghai undergone COVID-19 lockdown for 2 months in 2022, affecting >25 million population. We aim to find changes in mental health during Shanghai lockdown and if mental health was associated with Shanghai lockdown, loneliness, and perceived stress. MethodsWe conducted two cross-sectional online surveys in China, which were before and at the end of Shanghai lockdown (survey 1 in January 2022, N = 1123; survey 2 in June 2022, N = 2139). Participants reported mental health, loneliness, and perceived stress through the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8), and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). We compared data between survey 1 and 2. We ran a multiple linear regression model to investigate the impact of Shanghai lockdown, loneliness and perceived stress on mental health. ResultsThere's an increase in the proportion of lonely people during Shanghai lockdown (49.77 % to 65.26 %). During Shanghai lockdown, the proportion of lonely people (68.97 % VS. 61.35 %, p < 0.001) and risk for mental health conditions (50.50 % VS. 43.27 %, p < 0.001) were higher among residents in Shanghai than outside Shanghai. Shanghai lockdown (b = 0.556, p = 0.02), higher ULS-8 (b = 0.284, p < 0.001) and higher PSS-10 (b = 0.365, p < 0.001) were associated with higher GHQ-12. LimitationsParticipants reported their mental health status during Shanghai lockdown retrospectively. ConclusionShanghai lockdown had psychological impacts not only on residents in Shanghai but also outside Shanghai. Addressing loneliness and perceived stress accommodated to the lockdown situation should be considered.

Mediating effect of family support on the relationship between acculturation and loneliness among the migrant elderly following children in Jinan, China.

The total number of migrant elderly following children (MEFC) has gradually increased along with population aging and urbanization in recent decades in China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of family support on the relationship between acculturation and loneliness among the MEFC in Jinan, China. A total of 656 MEFC were selected by multistage cluster random sampling. Loneliness was measured using the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8), while acculturation and family support were assessed using a self-designed questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, univariate analysis, and the structural equation model (SEM) were conducted to illustrate the relationship between the above indicators and loneliness. The average ULS-8 score of the MEFC was 12.82 ± 4.05 in this study. Acculturation of the MEFC exerted a negatively direct effect on loneliness and a positively direct effect on family support simultaneously, while family support exerted a negatively direct effect on loneliness. Family support partially mediated the relationship between acculturation and loneliness [95% CI: −0.079 to 0.013, p < 0.001], while the mediating effect of family support accounted for 14.0% of the total effect. The average ULS-8 score of 12.82 ± 4.05 implied a low level of loneliness in the MEFC in Jinan, China. Acculturation was found to be correlated with loneliness, while the mediating role of family support between acculturation and loneliness was established. Policy recommendations were provided to reduce loneliness and improve the acculturation and family support of the MEFC according to the findings above.

Determining the relationship between loneliness and depression in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Across-sectional survey.

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between loneliness and depression felt by adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Design and MethodsThe study sample consisted of 423 adolescents who volunteered to participate in the study. All participants had internet access and the cognitive ability to express themselves. The participants filled out the Google Documents form that included the “Socio‐demographic Data Form,” “Children's Depression Inventory,” and “Short‐form UCLA Loneliness Scale” to collect data.FindingsIt was determined that the depression inventory total mean score of the adolescents participating in the study was 55.15 ± 2.88 (high) and the loneliness scale total mean score was 16.43 ± 4.93 (medium). A statistically positive high correlation was found between the depression total mean scores and the loneliness total mean scores of the adolescents (p < 0.05). As the loneliness levels of the adolescents increased, their depression levels increased.Practice ImplicationsAdolescents were more likely to experience mental disorders such as loneliness and depression during and after the pandemic. Governments should focus on the mental health of adolescents in the management of COVID‐19. Clinical services should plan and implement prevention activities, support programs, and services to replace early diagnosis and intervention.

Loneliness Status and Related Factors among the Hakka Elderly in Fujian, China: Based on the Health Ecological Model.

There are few studies estimating the loneliness of the Hakka elderly in China. This study aims to examine the loneliness status and related factors among the Hakka elderly in Fujian, China. The short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) was used to assess the loneliness of the Hakka elderly. Factors associated with loneliness were classified as individual indicators, behavioral indicators, interpersonal indicators, and social indicators according to the health ecological model (HEM). Hierarchical linear regression models were established to identify the main factors that were most predictive of loneliness. A sample of 1,262 Hakka elderly people was included in this study. Females (β = 0.631, P=0.012), those with ≥2 chronic diseases (β = 1.340, P < 0.001), those who were currently living in rural areas (β = 4.863, P < 0.001) or suburban areas (β = 2.027, P < 0.001), those with parents both died (β = 0.886, P=0.001), and those with the Urban Employees Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI; β = 0.852, P=0.030) obtained a higher score of ULS-8. Those exercised regularly (β = −2.494, P < 0.001), those had leisure activities (β = −1.937, P < 0.001), those ate healthy (β = −1.270, P < 0.001), and those with better self-rated financial status and higher education level received a lower score of ULS-8. There are differences in loneliness among different Hakka elderly population subgroups, and healthy behaviors and lifestyles may reduce the loneliness of the Hakka elderly. Relevant interventions should be implemented in a targeted manner, focusing on susceptible populations. This is most evident among those who were female, living in rural areas, with parents both died, with lower education, and with multiple chronic diseases.

Can Viewing Nature Through Windows Improve Isolated Living? A Pathway Analysis on Chinese Male Prisoners During the COVID-19 Epidemic.

Nature exposure is known to promote life satisfaction and well-being, and indirect exposure through windows is likely to benefit isolated populations. However, whether such type of exposure can benefit prisoners, the extremely isolated population, is unknown. In the current study, we investigated 326 male prisoners from three prisons in southwest China. Psychological variables including depression, anxiety, loneliness, distress tolerance, life satisfaction, and well-being were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), respectively. Structural equation modeling was employed to identify the pathways from the visibility of nature through windows to prisoners' life satisfaction and well-being. Our results demonstrated that visibility of nature promoted the frequency and duration of viewing nature through windows. The frequency directly affected well-being, but the duration did not effectively affect any measured variables. The visibility of nature enhanced life satisfaction mainly via direct effects but enhanced well-being mainly via indirect effects. Regarding the indirect pathways, the visibility of nature increased distress tolerance and thus reduced loneliness and mental health problems. The reduced mental health problem, in turn, promoted life satisfaction and well-being. Our findings suggest that nature exposure through windows is effective in enhancing prisoners' life satisfaction and well-being. The policymaker may need to consider nature-based solutions such as indirect nature exposure in prions to benefit isolated populations.

Cognitive health risks posed by social isolation and loneliness in older Korean Americans

BackgroundThis study examines associations among social isolation, loneliness, and cognitive health risks in older Korean Americans, focusing on the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between social isolation and objective and subjective measures of cognitive impairment.MethodsData are from 2061 participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans, a multi-state survey of Korean immigrants age 60 and older (Mage = 73.2, SD = 7.93). Social isolation was indexed with the Lubben Social Network Scale− 6; loneliness, with the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale. Objective and subjective measures of cognitive impairment included the Mini-Mental State Examination and a single-item self-rating of cognitive health.ResultsIn the logistic regression model for objective cognitive impairment, social isolation was significantly associated, but loneliness was not. In the model for subjective cognitive impairment, both social isolation and loneliness were significant factors. However, the effect of social isolation became non-significant when loneliness was considered, suggesting a potential mediating role of loneliness. The subsequent mediation analysis confirmed that the indirect effect of social isolation on subjective cognitive impairment through loneliness was significant (B = .20, SE = .03, 95% CI = .12, .28).ConclusionOur analyses provide evidence for the proposed mediating effect of loneliness in the relationship between social isolation and subjective cognitive impairment. Intervention efforts should focus on reducing feelings of loneliness experienced by older immigrants, possibly by engaging them in socially meaningful and cognitively stimulating activities.

Association between Personal Social Capital and Loneliness among Widowed Older People

To explore the association between the personal social capital and loneliness among the widowed older adults in China. Data from 1497 widowed older adults were extracted from China’s Health-Related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018. The Chinese version of the Personal Social Capital Scale (PSCS-16) was used to evaluate the participants’ status of bonding and bridging social capital (BOC and BRC). Loneliness was assessed by the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8). Multiple linear regression models were established to examine the relationship between social capital and loneliness. The BOC and BRC of rural widowed older people were significantly lower than those of widowed older people in urban areas, while loneliness of rural widowed older people was higher than that of widowed older people in urban areas. The result of the final model showed that loneliness of rural participants was significantly associated with both BOC (B = 0.141, p = 0.001) and BRC (B = −0.116, p = 0.003). The loneliness of the urban widowed sample had no association with both BOC and BRC (p > 0.05). These findings suggested that more social support and compassionate care should be provided to enrich the personal social capital and thus to reduce loneliness of widowed older adults, especially those in rural areas.

Hearing impairment and loneliness in older adults in Shandong, China: the modifying effect of living arrangement.

Hearing impairment is a highly prevalent condition and potential risk factor of loneliness in older adults. There is little evidence on whether living arrangement modifies the effects of hearing impairment on loneliness in older adults. (1) Explore the relationship between hearing impairment and loneliness in old adults; (2) investigate the modifying effect of living arrangement on the association between hearing impairment and loneliness. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of 7070 participants (aged 60-101) in Shandong province of China. Hearing impairment was measured by a single self-reported question. Variables about social demography and physical functioning were assessed using self-administered questionnaires, and loneliness using short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale. Linear regression models were performed to evaluate the association between hearing impairment and loneliness and possible effect modified by living arrangement. After controlling variables, older adults with hearing impairment reported significantly higher levels of loneliness than those with normal hearing (β = 0.024; P < 0.001). Living arrangement has a significant modifying effect on association between hearing impairment and loneliness. Our results underscored the potential impact of hearing impairment on loneliness in older adults, and also suggested that having adult children in the same village/community may play a protective role in reducing the loneliness of older adults with hearing impairment.

Analyzing Trends of Loneliness Through Large-Scale Analysis of Social Media Postings: Observational Study.

BackgroundLoneliness has become a public health problem described as an epidemic, and it has been argued that digital behavior such as social media posting affects loneliness.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to expand knowledge of the determinants of loneliness by investigating online postings in a social media forum devoted to loneliness. Specifically, this study aims to analyze the temporal trends in loneliness and their associations with topics of interest, especially with those related to mental health determinants.MethodsWe collected a total of 19,668 postings from 11,054 users in the loneliness forum on Reddit. We asked seven crowdsourced workers to imagine themselves as writing 1 of 236 randomly chosen posts and to answer the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale. After showing that these postings could provide an assessment of loneliness, we built a predictive model for loneliness scores based on the posts’ text and applied it to all collected postings. We then analyzed trends in loneliness postings over time and their correlations with other topics of interest related to mental health determinants.ResultsWe found that crowdsourced workers can estimate loneliness (interclass correlation=0.19) and that predictive models are correlated with reported loneliness scores (Pearson r=0.38). Our results show that increases in loneliness are strongly associated with postings to a suicidality-related forum (hazard ratio 1.19) and to forums associated with other detrimental behaviors such as depression and illicit drug use. Clustering demonstrates that people who are lonely come from diverse demographics and from a variety of interests.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that it is possible for unrelated individuals to assess people’s social media postings for loneliness. Moreover, our findings show the multidimensional nature of online loneliness and its correlated behaviors. Our study shows the advantages of studying a hard-to-reach population through social media and suggests new directions for future studies.

Interpersonal Sensitivity and Loneliness among Chinese Gay Men: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

To understand the current status of, and factors related to interpersonal sensitivity (IS) and loneliness among Chinese gay men. The Chinese version SCL-90-R was used to evaluate the status of IS, and the short-form UCLA Loneliness scale (ULS-8) was used for assessing loneliness level. Associations between demographics and IS were examined by chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regress analysis. Linear regression was used to assess the correlations between demographic factors and IS and loneliness. Dating practices and venues were summarized by multiple responses. Gay men who screened positive IS was identified in 36%. Age (OR25–29 = 8.731, 95% CI 2.296 to 33.139), education level (ORcollege = 0.037, 95% CI 0.046 to 0.911), being the only-child at home (ORyes = 4.733, 95% CI 2.293 to 9.733), monthly income (OR>7000 = 0.228, 95% CI 0.055 to 0.944), numbers of current sexual partners (OR1 = 0.285, 95% CI 0.129 to 0.629; OR2 = 0.109 95% CI 0.027 to 0.431) were related to IS. IS was also associated with a higher score of ULS-8 (β = 6.903, p < 0.001). Other variables associated with the score of ULS-8 included: living in a non-nuclear family (β = 0.998, p = 0.020), being a college student (β = −1.556, p = 0.044), having a higher monthly income (β for 3000–5000 yuan = −1.177, p = 0.045; β for over 7000 yuan = −2.207, p = 0.002), having sexual partners (all β < 1, p < 0.001), being the only-child (β = 1.393, p = 0.005). Nearly half of the sample (46.78%) reported that they looked for dating partners on the Internet or dating apps. IS and loneliness are positively correlated. Our study suggests that more humanistic care and social support should be given to Chinese gay men.

Sensory Overresponsivity, Loneliness, and Anxiety in Taiwanese Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose Sensory overresponsiveness is highly prevalent in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and typically persist into adulthood. However, the role of sensory processing difficulties in influencing emotional well-being among adults with ASD remains unclear. Additionally, the associations between sensory overresponsiveness, anxiety, and loneliness are yet to be examined among adults with ASD. Therefore, to address these critical gaps in the literature, we aimed to investigate the relationships among sensory avoiding, anxiety, and loneliness in a sample of adults with ASD. Participants Seventy adults (age, 20–39 years) completed three self-reported measures. All participants had a documented diagnosis of ASD and had normal IQ. Methods Sensory processing, loneliness, and anxiety were assessed with the Adult Sensory Profile, short-form UCLA loneliness scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Results Autism spectrum traits and sensory avoiding were associated with anxiety and loneliness. Participants who experienced sensory avoiding more frequently reported higher anxiety and feelings of loneliness, with loneliness mediating the relationship between sensory avoiding and anxiety. More anxiety symptoms in participants with greater sensory avoiding were associated with their higher level of loneliness. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the relationships existed between sensory processing difficulties, loneliness, and anxiety among adults with ASD. Interventions regarding sensory processing difficulties and emotional well-being are substantial need for adults with ASD, and our results highlight the importance of sensory overresponsiveness and anxiety in evaluating and improving the psychological well-being of adults with ASD.

Psychometric properties of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) among Chinese adolescents.

Loneliness is prevalent and severe among adolescents, indicating the need for a reliable, valid, and concise instrument for detecting adolescent loneliness. This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) among Chinese adolescents.Computer-assisted self-interviewing was used to complete the questionnaire among 3480 junior or senior high school students aged 10 to 19 years. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). To test the concurrent validity and convergent validity of the scale, a single loneliness item and variables such as depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of interpersonal relationships were used. For reliability, Cronbach alpha and test–retest correlation were computed.Construct validity and internal consistency showed that the ULS-6, which excluded 2 reverse-scored items from the ULS-8, had stronger psychometric properties than the ULS-8. The convergent validity and concurrent validity were also supported by the study results. The overall Cronbach α of the ULS-6 was 0.878 and the test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.663.The ULS-6 showed satisfactory reliability and validity in this study, suggesting that this instrument can be used in the measurement of loneliness among Chinese adolescents.

Psychometric analysis of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) among Palestinian university students

The purpose of this research was to analyze the psychometric characteristics of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) among Palestinian university students. The sample consisted of 288 university students (56% women and 44% men), aged 18-22 years. The psychometric characteristics of the ULS-6 were examined using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and criterion-related validity methods. The unidimensionality of the ULS-6 was supported among Palestinian university students. The ULS-6 showed good psychometric characteristics, with adequate internal consistency. In addition, the ULS-6 was negatively correlated with significant others support, family support, friends support, self-esteem and satisfaction with life. The results of the present study suggested that the Arabic version of the ULS-6 constitutes a concise psychometrically sound tool to assess loneliness.

Loneliness and depression among rural empty-nest elderly adults in Liuyang, China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo compare loneliness, depressive symptoms and major depressive episodes between empty-nest and not-empty-nest older adults in rural areas of Liuyang city, Hunan, China.MethodsA cross-sectional multi-stage random cluster survey was conducted...

Psychometric analysis of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) in older adults.

The aim of this investigation was to present new empirical evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) among Portuguese older people. The study included 1,154 persons (60% women and 40% men), aged 60-90 (M=71.26; SD=6.66). The psychometric properties of the ULS-6 were analysed by means of confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and criterion-related validity methods. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure of the measure with adequate values of various fit indices. The ULS-6 presented satisfactory psychometric properties, with a high level of internal consistency. Furthermore, the ULS-6 showed a negative relationship with self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and positive affect; and a positive one with negative affect. The results confirm that the ULS-6 provides a brief, psychometrically sound measure of loneliness that is appropriate for use among older adults.