At a glance
Number of items: 3 questions.
Completion time: Around 1–2 minutes.
1. What is the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale?
The UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale is a brief measure adapted from the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. It assesses loneliness across three related dimensions: relational connectedness, social connectedness, and self-perceived isolation. It was developed as a short form suitable for use in large surveys and can be administered by interview; the linked form also notes it is valid when self-administered in person and by telephone interview.
The three items ask how often a person:
• feels that they lack companionship,
• feels left out, and
• feels isolated from others.
Higher responses reflect greater subjective loneliness.
2. How is it scored?
Scoring is simple and designed for brief administration:
• Hardly ever = 1 point
• Some of the time = 2 points
• Often = 3 points
• Total score = sum of all 3 items (range 3–9)
Direction of scores: Higher total scores indicate greater loneliness.
Common interpretation in practice:
3–5: Lower loneliness / often grouped as “not lonely”.
6–9: Higher loneliness / often grouped as “lonely”.
3. How do I interpret change over time?
Because the UCLA-3 is a very brief screening measure, score changes are usually interpreted directionally rather than as a formal minimal clinically important difference.
Improvement: A lower total score over time suggests reduced loneliness, particularly when scores move from the 6–9 range into the 3–5 range.
Persistent high scores: Ongoing scores in the 6–9 range suggest sustained loneliness and should prompt further exploration of social connection, support needs, and appropriate follow-up.
Deterioration: A rising score over time suggests worsening loneliness and may indicate the need for further assessment or intervention.
Reference
Hughes, M. E., Waite, L. J., Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2004). A short scale for measuring loneliness in large surveys: Results from two population-based studies. Research on Aging, 26(6), 655–672.