Abstract
Background and aims: Given the rising prevalence of loneliness in the digital age and its effects on social behaviors, the development of online tools to assess this phenomenon has become increasingly important. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to examine the validation of the electronic version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Methods: This study was Methodological research and conducted using psychometric methods. The statistical population included all youth in Tehran in the year 2021-2022. The sample size was determined based on psychometric criteria, consisting of 100 participants for the convergent validity section and 690 participants for the construct validity section. The samples were selected using cluster sampling. Research data were collected through two scales: The loneliness scale developed by Aune and the loneliness scale developed by Asher, Hymel, and Renshaw, administered in both printed and electronic forms by sending a questionnaire link to the participants’ mobile phones. To assess the validity of the scale, content validity, convergent validity, and factor analysis methods were employed. The reliability of the scale was examined using internal consistency and split-half reliability methods. Results: The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated that the researcher-developed questionnaire consists of three factors and possesses adequate validity and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis also supported the three-factor model. This questionnaire was administered alongside the loneliness scale proposed by Aune, which demonstrated adequate reliability and validity with 16 items (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The 16-item loneliness scale proposed by Aune can be utilized to assess feelings of loneliness among youth.