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Three-Item Loneliness Scale · 3 questions · 30 seconds
Three questions about connection.
Three questions from the Three-Item Loneliness Scale, a short form of the UCLA Loneliness Scale. National surveys in the US and the UK use it. Notice that none of the questions uses the word “lonely”. That makes it easier to answer truthfully.
About this questionnaire
Source: Hughes ME, Waite LJ, Hawkley LC, Cacioppo JT. A short scale for measuring loneliness in large surveys: results from two population-based studies. Res Aging. 2004;26(6):655–672. Original →
Common questions
Why doesn’t the test ask “Are you lonely?”
Many people find that word hard to say yes to. Asking about companionship, feeling left out and feeling isolated gives a more truthful picture.
Is loneliness a health issue?
Yes. The US Surgeon General has linked loneliness to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia and depression. It can be eased.