Psychometric Properties of the R-UCLA Loneliness Scale: Validation of Factor Structure, Internal Consistency, and Measurement Invariance Cover Image

Psychometrické vlastnosti škály osamelosti R-UCLA: Overenie faktorovej štruktúry, vnútornej konzistencie a invariancie merania
Psychometric Properties of the R-UCLA Loneliness Scale: Validation of Factor Structure, Internal Consistency, and Measurement Invariance

Author(s): Robert Tomšik
Subject(s): Philosophy, Social Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Behaviorism
Published by: VERBUM - vydavateľstvo Katolíckej univerzity v Ružomberku
Keywords: Loneliness; Isolation; UCLA; R-UCLA; Factor Analysis

Summary/Abstract: Loneliness during adolescence is a significant psychosocial factor associated with mental health and overall life satisfaction. One of the most commonly used instruments for measuring loneliness is the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA). Despite its widespread use, validated data on its psychometric properties in the Slovak context are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure, reliability, and measurement invariance of the R-UCLA in a sample of Slovak adolescents. The research sample consisted of 593 students aged 14 to 19 years (72.3% girls). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the DWLS method supported a three-dimensional model as the most appropriate (χ²(167) = 410.213; RMSEA = 0.074; CFI = 0.962; TLI = 0.955). Measurement invariance analysis confirmed the equivalence of factor structure and loadings across genders. Cronbach’s α coefficients (0.763 – 0.891) and McDonald’s ω (0.772 – 0.875) indicated satisfactory internal consistency of the individual subscales. The results support the appropriateness of the R-UCLA scale for research and screening purposes during adolescence in the Slovak context.

  • Issue Year: XXIV/2025
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 86-101
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Slovak
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