Psychometric analysis of the Malay version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) and a comparison of loneliness among sojourning and non-sojourning Malaysian students

Abstract

To cite this article: Viren Swami (2009) Psychometric analysis of the Malay version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) and a comparison of loneliness among sojourning and non-sojourning Malaysian students,The UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS) is the most widely used scale for the measurement of loneliness, but no version currently exists for use among Malay-speaking populations. The present study reports on the translation and validation of a Malay version of the 8-item ULS (ULS-8) and conducts an initial comparison of loneliness among students. In Study 1, 532 individuals from community samples in Malaysia completed a Malay version of the ULS-8, which showed a unidimensional structure, good internal consistency, excellent test-retest reliability after 60 days and good convergent validity with measures of subjective happiness and shyness. In addition, there were no sex or ethnic differences in loneliness. Study 2 used the ULS-8 to measure the degree of loneliness among sojourning Malaysian students in Britain, who were compared with an age-matched sample of students in Kuala Lumpur. Results showed that the sojourning students were significantly more lonely than their counterparts in Malaysia. The limitations of these studies are also discussed.

Identification of a Suitable Short‐form of the UCLA‐Loneliness Scale

“…Hays and DiMatteo (1987) used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to develop a unidimensional eight-item model, which has subsequently provided modest model fit in a small Taiwanese sample (Wu & Yao, 2008), and in a Turkish sample (Do gan, Çötok, & Tekin, 2011). The eight items identified by Hays and Dimatteo also provided a one-factor EFA solution in a Malaysian sample (Swami, 2009). Oshagen and Allen (1992) used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to identify a unidimensional scale comprising seven items that provided adequate model fit.…”

Validation of the Malay Version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale

“…The ULS‐8 has eight items in one scale assessing individuals’ experience of loneliness, for example “How often do you feel isolated from others?” Items are rated on a 4‐point Likert scale; response options include “Often,” “Sometimes,” “Rarely” and “Never.” A total sum score is calculated after reverse coding of negatively phrased questions to give a score ranging from 8 to 32, with higher scores indicating more loneliness . The questionnaire was available in English and BM …”

Psychometric Characteristics of Duke Social Support Index Among Elderly Suicide in Rural China

“…The initial ULS-20 (Stephan, Fath, & Lamm, 1988) was deleted 12 items and became ULS-8 (Russell, Peplau, & Cutrona, 1980). The psychometric properties of the ULS had been widely evaluated (Neto, 2014; Russell et al., 1980; Swami, 2009; Wilson, Cutts, Lees, Mapungwana, & Maunganidze, 1992; Wu & Yao, 2008). Zhou, Li, Hu, and Xiao (2012) evaluated it among the older adults in rural China and deleted two items further.…”