Loneliness reflects a subjective gap between desired and actual social connection. The UCLA Loneliness Scale-20 operationalises this experience through twenty brief statements rated on a four-point frequency scale. Researchers and clinicians use the inventory to quantify perceived social isolation across cultures and age groups, supporting epidemiological studies and targeted interventions.

This tool presents each statement, records your selected frequency, reverses the scoring of positively worded items, then sums all twenty responses. The resulting raw score, ranging from 20 to 80, is mapped to one of four empirical severity bands—Low, Moderate, High, or Very High—displayed on a semicircular gauge and summarised in plain-language guidance.

A community organiser might administer the assessment at the end of a month-long outreach programme to gauge whether participants feel more connected. Individuals can likewise compare scores over time to inform self-care strategies, yet remember that feelings fluctuate and context matters. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis and should guide, not replace, professional advice.

Technical Details:

The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3, 20 items) quantifies perceived social isolation by aggregating how frequently respondents endorse emotionally affiliative or distancing statements. Each answer contributes between 1 and 4 points, producing a continuous index that correlates with depressive symptoms, physical health outcomes, and social-network size.

L = \sum_{i = 1}^{20} s

_i, s_i = r_i ⇒ 5−r_i for reverse-scored items

Score Range	Band	Interpretation
20 – 34	Low	Minimal perceived loneliness
35 – 49	Moderate	Occasional feelings of isolation
50 – 64	High	Frequent loneliness requiring attention
65 – 80	Very High	Persistent isolation warranting support

The band contextualises raw scores, signalling when informal coping strategies may suffice versus when structured interventions are advisable.

Frequency choices – Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often.
Reverse-scored items – ten positively worded statements offset response bias.
Total score (L) – integer between 20 and 80.
Severity band – categorical mapping derived from validation studies.

Example A respondent selects “Often” (4) for Item 2 and “Rarely” (2) for Item 1 (reverse-scored). Item 1 contributes 3 (5 − 2); Item 2 contributes 4. Repeating the process for all items yields 52, placing the respondent in the High band.

Assumes respondents recall feelings over the preceding month accurately.
Captures perceived, not objective, social isolation.
Cultural factors may influence how statements are interpreted.
Not designed to diagnose mood disorders.

Incomplete responses disrupt scoring; all items require answers.
Uniform selections (all 1 or all 4) may signal response bias.
Reverse-scoring logic fails if items are shuffled without adjustment.
Scores near band thresholds can shift with a single response change.

Validity established through convergent analyses with depression indices and test–retest reliability studies (Russell, 1996; Matthews & colleagues, 2019). Peer-reviewed critiques highlight cultural translation subtleties.

This assessment handles anonymous Likert responses only and aligns with GDPR guidance for non-identifiable data.

Step-By-Step Guide:

Complete the self-assessment in one sitting for the most accurate snapshot.

Click Start Assessment to display the first statement.
Select the frequency that best matches your experience during the past month.
Use the right-hand question list to revisit or change any response.
After answering all twenty items, review your total score and severity band on the gauge.
Read the personalised guidance, then save or print the answers table if desired.

FAQ:

What is the UCLA Loneliness Scale?

A validated questionnaire that quantifies perceived social isolation through twenty frequency-rated statements.

How long does the test take?

Most users finish in three to five minutes.

Is my data stored?

No. Responses are processed locally in your browser and disappear when you close the page.

Can I retake the assessment?

Yes. Refresh the page or clear responses to start again; comparing scores over time can be insightful.

What does my score mean?

Each score band reflects relative perceived loneliness; see the Technical Details table for thresholds and implications.

Glossary:

Perceived Isolation: Feeling disconnected independent of actual social contact.
Likert Scale: Ordered response format capturing degree of agreement or frequency.
Reverse Scoring: Inverting values for positively worded items to maintain directional consistency.
Severity Band: Categorical grouping that contextualises raw scores.
Gauge Chart: Semi-circular visual indicator rendered via a charting layer.

UCLA Loneliness Scale-20 (ULS-20) Assessment

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UCLA Loneliness Scale-20 (ULS-20) Assessment

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