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Factor analysis of the revised UCLA loneliness scale

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Abstract

The Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA) is described and used as a unidimensional measure of loneliness; conceptualizing and assessing loneliness as a unitary, global experience. The present study suggests that the R-UCLA is a multidimensional measure of loneliness that assesses more than one construct of the loneliness experience. Results of principal axis factor analysis suggest that the R-UCLA measures three dimensions of loneliness: loneliness related to (a) “intimate others,” (b) “social others,” and (c) the “affiliative environment.” These findings may affect the utilization of the R-UCLA in future assessment, research, and intervention. These implications are discussed.

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This article is based on the author’s master’s thesis, submitted for the Master of Counseling degree at Arizona State University.

This research was supported by a grant from the Arizona State University Graduate Student Association Research Development Program.

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McWhirter, B.T. Factor analysis of the revised UCLA loneliness scale. Current Psychology 9, 56–68 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02686768

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