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Emotional
Loneliness Test:
The feeling of loneliness does not depend on external factors, just like love: it is cultivated within a person. You can be surrounded by people and attention yet feel lonely, or you can be alone and experience boundless happiness. This test will help you understand yourself.
questions
20
Time
7 min
Method
UCLA-LS v3
Rating
4.6
What you'll learn
Your current level of subjective loneliness
How deep the feeling of social isolation runs
The quality of your emotional connections with others
Your ability to find support and mutual understanding
Personalized recommendations for improving the quality of connections
Key facts
UCLA-LS v3
Method
20
Questions
5–7 min
Time
D. Russell
Author
α = 0.89–0.94
Reliability
50+ countries
Used in
History & development
1978
Daniel Russell, Letitia Peplau, and Carolyn Cutrona publish the first version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale at the University of California
1980
The revised version (UCLA-LS-R) is released with reverse-scored items added to reduce systematic bias
1996
Version 3 (UCLA-LS-3) is published with an optimal balance of 11 direct and 9 reverse-scored items
2020
The scale is widely used in studies of social isolation, confirming the global relevance of the loneliness problem
About the methodology
The UCLA Loneliness Scale is the gold standard for measuring subjective experiences of loneliness. Developed by Daniel Russell, Letitia Peplau, and Carolyn Cutrona at the University of California, Los Angeles, the instrument has undergone three iterations. The first version (1978) contained 20 negatively worded items.
The revised version (1980) added reverse-scored items to reduce response bias. The current Version 3 (1996) contains 11 direct and 9 reverse-scored items, providing balance and reducing the influence of response style. The instrument's reliability is confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.
89 to 0.94 across diverse samples. The scale measures not physical solitude but subjective experience: the discrepancy between desired and actual levels of social contact. It has been successfully applied in educational and research contexts worldwide.
Scientific references
Russell, D. W. (1996)
Russell, D., Peplau, L. A., & Cutrona, C. E. (1980)
Peplau, L. A., & Perlman, D. (1982)
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
The test measures subjective feelings of loneliness: an internal experience that does not depend on the number of social contacts. A person can be surrounded by people yet feel emptiness, or be alone and experience harmony.
What is the scientific basis of the methodology?
The methodology is based on the UCLA Loneliness Scale, developed by Daniel Russell in 1978. Version 3 (1996) is the most current and validated: Cronbach's alpha from 0.89 to 0.94, confirmed in studies across more than 50 countries.
How long does it take to complete?
The test consists of 20 statements and takes 5–7 minutes. It is important to answer quickly, relying on your first impression: this increases the accuracy of results.
Can the level of loneliness be changed?
Yes. Subjective feelings of loneliness can be altered through developing communication skills, mindfulness, working with internal beliefs, and creating meaningful connections. Research shows that cognitive-behavioral approaches are particularly effective.
What is the difference between loneliness and solitude?
Solitude is a conscious choice to be alone, which brings enjoyment and restores energy. Loneliness is an unwanted feeling of absence of meaningful connections, accompanied by discomfort and emptiness. This test measures loneliness, not solitude.
Instructions
Rate how often you experience each of the described feelings. Answer honestly: there are no right or wrong answers.
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