Construction of a New Loneliness Scale and Correlates of Loneliness among Middle Aged and Aged

The purpose of this study was to construct a new loneliness scale (LS) and to examine correlates of loneliness among middle aged and aged. In Study 1,17 original items of the new LS were administered to 1,276 middle aged and aged, factor analysis revealed 1 factor solution. Ten items of the final LS (Ando, Osada & Kodama Loneliness Scale; AOKLS) had high reliability and concurrent validity as an instrument of measuring loneliness. In Study 2,correlates of loneliness were assessed in a sample of 935 middle aged and aged. The AOKLS was used for measuring loneliness. Regression analysis was performed, sociodemographic and instrumental support variables were entered as the independent variables. Multiple correlation coefficient was .416. The variables having significant effects on loneliness were gender, education, self-rated health, marital status, and instrumental support from friends