Factorial analysis and invariance of the Portuguese version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale – Version 3

• Author(s): Moniz, Edna ; Pires, Luís ; Barreto Carvalho, Célia ; Marina Afonso, Rosa
• Date: 2025
• Origin: Revista Psicologia
• Subject(s): loneliness; social isolation; UCLA loneliness scale; internal stucture
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

The objectives of this study are to analyze the psychometric properties of the data collected with the European Portuguese version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3 (UCLA-LS-3) and to evaluate levels of loneliness and perceived social isolation in Portuguese adults. 802 individuals aged 18 to 82 years (M= 35.12; SD= 15.67) responded to the scale, and reliability and validity analyses were conducted. The total score of the UCLA-LS-3 exhibited a strong negative correlation with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. A three-factor model showed the best fit, demonstrating good fit [(χ2/df = 1.81; CFI = .99; RMSEA (90 CI) = .032 (.026; .038)]. This model showed only metric invariance between genders and only configural invariance between age groups. The results support the UCLA-LS-3 as a reliable and valid measure of loneliness for future research studies interested in assessing the psychological experience of loneliness in Portuguese population.

The objectives of this study are to analyze the psychometric properties of the data collected with the European Portuguese version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3 (UCLA-LS-3) and to evaluate levels of loneliness and perceived social isolation in Portuguese adults. 802 individuals aged 18 to 82 years (M= 35.12; SD= 15.67) responded to the scale, and reliability and validity analyses were conducted. The total score of the UCLA-LS-3 exhibited a strong negative correlation with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. A three-factor model showed the best fit, demonstrating good fit [(χ2/df = 1.81; CFI = .99; RMSEA (90 CI) = .032 (.026; .038)]. This model showed only metric invariance between genders and only configural invariance between age groups. The results support the UCLA-LS-3 as a reliable and valid measure of loneliness for future research studies interested in assessing the psychological experience of loneliness in Portuguese population.