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

• Author(s): Moniz,Edna ; Pires,Luís ; Carvalho,Célia Barreto ; Afonso,Rosa Marina
• Date: 2025
• Origin: SciELO Portugal
• Subject(s): Loneliness; Social isolation; UCLA Loneliness scale; Factorial structure
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

Abstract 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.