Development and validation of a 6-item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (RULS-6) using Rasch analysis.

Using Rasch analysis, the proposed RULS-6 constituted a 70% reduction of the number of original items, yet preserved the psychometric properties in independent samples of students and psychiatric outpatients. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? The UCLA Loneliness Scale is a common instrument used to gauge loneliness levels. The 20-item revised scale (R-ULS) has acceptable psychometric properties but its construct varies. Due to the length of the questionnaire, administration of R-ULS is not always practical. Short versions vary in items and were developed with classic test theory (e.g., factor analysis). Rasch analysis - providing more accuracy based on measurement theory - could be used instead. What does this study add? Using a Rasch analysis approach, a 6-item scale of loneliness (RULS-6) was created. The RULS-6 was tested in student and clinical samples, meeting Rasch measurement model criteria. The RULS-6 showed promising psychometrics to be used in both non-clinical and clinical samples.