Loneliness

Title

Short Loneliness Scale (LON)

Study

PCS3

Copyright Information

Not a copyrighted scale

Primary Reference

Hughes, M. E., Waite, L. J., Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2004). A short scale for measuring loneliness in large surveys: Results from two population-based studies. Research on Aging, 26(6), 655-672.

Purpose

To assess the degree of loneliness typically felt by participants

Description

Using a 4-point rating scale, respondents indicate the frequency with which they typically feel isolated, lacking in companionship, and left out.

Scaling

1 = Never, 2 = Once in a while, 3 = Fairly often, 4 = Very often

Number of Items

3

Sample Items

• How often do you feel that you lack companionship?

• How often do you feel left out?

Psychometrics

In 229 community-dwelling adults ages 50 to 67 years (Hughes et al., 2004)

• Internal consistency: Cronbach’s α = 0.72
• Construct validity:

          ο  correlation with UCLA Loneliness Scale, r = 0.82
          ο  correlation with 4-item Perceived Stress Scale, r = 0.40, p < 0.01
          ο  correlation with depressive symptoms (CES-D), r = 0.48, p < 0.001

In PCS3 (n = 213)

• Internal consistency, Cronbach’s α = 0.79
• Construct validity:

          ο  correlation with 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, r = 0.43, p < 0.001
          ο  correlation with 12-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, r = -0.41, p < 0.001

Scoring/Variables

Total Loneliness: Sum items: 1, 2, 3