UCLA Loneliness Scale-20 (ULS-20) Assessment

Introduction:

Loneliness is a subjective feeling of being socially disconnected even when people are physically present. The UCLA Loneliness Scale-20 (ULS-20) transforms this subtle experience into measurable data by asking twenty short statements about everyday interactions and emotions. Your answers reveal patterns that are otherwise hard to describe, laying the groundwork for reflection and proactive social wellbeing planning.

Developed in academic research and used globally by mental-health professionals, the scale assigns a numeric value to each frequency choice—Never, Rarely, Sometimes or Often. A simple algorithm reverses scores on positively worded items, ensuring the final 20-to-80 total consistently reflects perceived social isolation. This continuity lets you track change over time and compare results across studies.

Completing the questionnaire takes roughly three minutes on any modern device. Once finished you will receive your overall score, an associated severity band, and concise guidance for possible next steps; answer based on feelings over the last month for best accuracy. You can retake the test at intervals and compare scores to monitor change over time. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis.

Technical Details:

The assessment converts each response to a 1 – 4 integer, applies reverse-scoring to ten positively phrased items, then sums all twenty values for a 20 – 80 total.

• Ten items use reverse-scoring (1 ↔ 4, 2 ↔ 3).
• Total score determines one of four severity bands.
• No personal data leaves the device.

All processing is client-side, keeping performance fast and data private.

Calculations & Scoring:

Each score is produced in three transparent stages.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these steps to complete the questionnaire and view your results.

1. Click Start Assessment to begin.
2. Read each statement and choose Never, Rarely, Sometimes or Often.
3. Watch the progress bar reach 100 % as you answer all twenty items.
4. Use the right-hand list to revisit any question before finishing.
5. After the last response, review your total score and coloured gauge.
6. Scroll down to see a printable table of every answer.

FAQ:

Quick answers to common questions.

Troubleshooting:

Resolve common issues quickly.

Progress bar stuck – Ensure every question has a selected option; unanswered items show a dash.

Accidental page refresh – Use your browser’s back button; the encoded link restores saved answers.

Results show NaN – Clear cached parameters by removing the “r=” query string and retaking the assessment.

Print layout misaligned – Choose portrait orientation and 100 % scaling in your print dialog.

Advanced Tips:

Go further with these expert suggestions.

• Bookmark the result URL to compare future scores.
• Export the table to CSV via your browser’s “Save Page As” feature.
• Embed the gauge as an image by right-clicking and selecting “Save graphic”.
• Pair this assessment with a daily mood log to explore patterns.
• Use incognito mode for extra privacy on shared devices.

Glossary:

Key terms used throughout the assessment.

Reverse-scoring

Technique that re-codes positive items so higher values indicate the same construct.

Severity band

Category describing the intensity of reported loneliness.

Gauge

Semi-circular chart that visualises your total score.

Encoded link

URL parameter that stores your answers locally for later review.

Loneliness

Subjective perception of social isolation, not necessarily actual social contact.