Evaluation of the Factor Structure and Validation of an Electronic Version of the Loneliness Scale for Iranian Youth: A Perspective Based on Aune’s Framework

Background and aims: The increasing prevalence of loneliness in the digital age and its impact on social behaviors underscore the necessity for developing online tools to assess this phenomenon. The present study aims to evaluate the validity of the electronic version of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Methods: This methodological research employed psychometric techniques. The study population comprised youth in Tehran during the 2021-2022 period. The sample size was determined according to psychometric criteria, involving 100 participants for the assessment of convergent validity and 690 participants for construct validity. Participants were selected using cluster sampling. Data were collected through two scales: the loneliness scale developed by Aune and the loneliness scale created by Asher, Hymel, and Renshaw, administered in both printed and electronic formats via a questionnaire link sent to participants’ mobile phones. To evaluate the validity of the scale, methods such as content validity, convergent validity, and factor analysis were employed. The reliability of the scale was assessed using internal consistency and split-half reliability methods. Results: The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the researcher-developed questionnaire comprises three factors and demonstrates adequate validity and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis further supported the three-factor model. This questionnaire was administered alongside the loneliness scale proposed by Aune, which exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity with 16 items (P<0.001). Conclusion: The 16-item loneliness scale proposed by Aune is a valid tool for assessing feelings of loneliness among youth.