Multidimensional Loneliness Scale: Development and Psychometric Properties of a Peruvian Version

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Loneliness is the sensation of feeling alone or emotionally isolated, even when one is surrounded by other people. It is associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, harmful habits, and cardiovascular problems. The main objective of the present study was to develop and determine the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Loneliness Scale (MLS), which is a self-report instrument. <b>Methods:</b> The present study is instrumental in nature, as it aims to analyze the psychometric properties of a new assessment instrument. A total of 484 adults, both men and women, aged between 18 and 55 years, participated in this research. <b>Results</b>: Exploratory factor analysis revealed the presence of four dimensions: social disconnection, family estrangement, loss of attachment figure, and intrapersonal emptiness. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the four-dimensional model exhibited a good fit (CFI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.07; SRMR = 0.07; AIC = 737.87). The concurrent validity was evidenced by significant correlations with the De Jong Gierveld scale and the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. The reliability analysis demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, with omega coefficients ranging from 0.84 to 0.92 and alpha coefficients from 0.84 to 0.93. <b>Conclusions</b>: The MLS is a self-report instrument designed to assess loneliness, and it has satisfactory psychometric properties.