A systematic review evaluating loneliness assessment instruments in older adults

Abstract

Introduction and objectivesThe experiences and changes that come along with old age may lead to a feeling of loneliness, usually followed by negative physical and mental manifestations. In this systematic review, we evaluated the existing tools to assess loneliness in older adults.MethodsWe performed a literature search in the Web of Science, Medline, and PsycINFO, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After, we examined the psychometric properties of the instruments with a focus on reliability, validity, and main conclusions.ResultsWe included 27 articles published between 1996 and 2021.ConclusionTo date, there are few instruments to assess loneliness in older adults. In general, they present adequate psychometric properties, although it is true that some scales show somewhat low levels of reliability and validity.

Post-lockdown loneliness and social isolation among French students

“…It is better to use loneliness scales. Two scales measuring loneliness and based on cognitive approaches to loneliness have been most widely used (Bugallo-Carrera et al. , 2023).…”

“…It is better to use loneliness scales. Two scales measuring loneliness and based on cognitive approaches to loneliness have been most widely used (Bugallo-Carrera et al, 2023). These are the 20-item UCLA Loneliness Scale developed by Russell et al (1978) and the De Jong Gierveld 11-item Loneliness Scale developed in the Netherlands by De Jong Gierveld and Kamphuis (1985).…”