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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to Howard Litwin and two anonymous reviewers for their thoughtful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação, Universidade do Porto, rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal

    Félix Neto

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  1. Félix Neto
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Correspondence to Félix Neto.

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Responsible editor: Howard Litwin.

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Neto, F. Psychometric analysis of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) in older adults. Eur J Ageing 11, 313–319 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-014-0312-1

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