The dimensionality of the UCLA loneliness scale in early adolescents

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Abstract
The dimensionality of the UCLA Loneliness Scale was assessed in 326 adolescents aged 12 to 14. Based on theoretical grounds, a one-factor solution was examined. The results lend limited support to the assertion that the instrument measures a single dimension of loneliness. Factor solutions ranging from three to five were unacceptable according to the methodological criteria used in this study. A two-factor solution met the methodological criteria but the results were suggestive of a method artifact. This possibility was explored using a procedure that follows the logic of construct validation. The findings suggested that the instrument has two substantive dimensions. Continued support of the bidimen-sionality of the instrument would have implications for theory development regarding the phenomenon of loneliness.