Introduction:
The UCLA Loneliness Scale-8 (ULS-8) offers a concise way to gauge subjective social isolation. You respond to eight statements about companionship, support, and belonging, indicating how often each feeling applies. Summing the item scores yields a total between eight and 32, with higher totals reflecting more persistent loneliness. The screen takes only moments yet provides a structured snapshot of perceived connectedness.
This tool presents one statement at a time in a distraction-free card. Choices ranging from Never to Often are recorded instantly by a lightweight reactive engine that never leaves your device. A progress bar tracks completion, while an interactive gauge chart appears at the end, colouring your total within low, moderate, or high bands.
Use the ULS-8 to monitor loneliness over time or to spark conversations in wellbeing programs, study cohorts, or personal reflection. Answer honestly without overthinking; each choice represents how you felt during the past week. Because scores can fluctuate with circumstances, retesting after meaningful social changes can highlight trends. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis or replace professional advice.
Technical Details:
Each item is rated 1 (never) to 4 (often), producing a raw total that quantifies perceived loneliness intensity.
Items 7 and 8 are reverse-scored to offset positive wording; totals map to Low (≤15), Moderate (16-23), or High (≥24) bands.
A reverse-scoring step converts positively framed responses so all items align in direction before aggregation, ensuring scale validity.
- Eight mandatory items, no partial scoring.
- Response range: 1 – 4 per item.
- Total range: 8 – 32 points.
- Three severity bands for quick interpretation.
| Band | Total Score |
|---|---|
| Low | 8 – 15 |
| Moderate | 16 – 23 |
| High | 24 – 32 |
All computation happens locally for instant feedback and data privacy.
Calculations & Scoring:
The total loneliness score is calculated in three clear steps.
Applying aligns positively worded items with the scale direction.
Adding adjusted scores yields the total loneliness index.
A score inside this range indicates moderate subjective loneliness.
Final Result
Total score = 21, indicating Moderate loneliness.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Follow these quick steps to complete the assessment.
- Click Start Assessment to begin.
- Select Never, Rarely, Sometimes, or Often for each statement.
- Watch the progress bar reach 100 % as you respond.
- Use the right-hand question list to revisit answers if needed.
- View your coloured gauge and summary once all items are answered.
- Download or print the answer table for personal records.
FAQ:
Common questions about the ULS-8 and this implementation.
Why are two items reversed?
Items 7 and 8 are positively phrased. Reversing their scores ensures that higher totals consistently reflect greater loneliness across all items.
What does my band mean?
Low suggests minimal loneliness, Moderate indicates occasional loneliness, and High signals frequent loneliness that may warrant further support.
How often should I retake it?
Monthly checks are sufficient for most users. Repeat sooner after significant life events or when monitoring intervention effects.
Is my data stored?
No. All answers and calculations stay inside your browser. Nothing is uploaded, logged, or shared with external servers.
Can I use it in research?
Yes, provided you credit the original ULS-8 source and comply with local ethical guidelines for human-subject research.
Troubleshooting:
Resolve common issues quickly.
Progress bar stuck — answer any unanswered item; the bar updates automatically.
Accidentally clicked the wrong option — use the question list to revisit and change it.
Score seems incorrect — verify that every item displays a green checkmark.
Cannot print table — use the browser’s print function after fully expanding the results.
Advanced Tips:
Enhance usage and interpretation.
- Pair results with journal notes to contextualise score changes.
- Average multiple administrations for a more stable baseline.
- Combine with objective metrics such as social contact frequency.
- Use colour-blind mode by switching your system’s accessibility settings.
- Embed the assessment in wellbeing portals via an iframe for seamless access.
Glossary:
Key terms used throughout the assessment.
- ULS-8
- Eight-item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale.
- Reverse-scoring
- Technique that inverts responses for positively worded items.
- Severity band
- Category describing loneliness level based on total score.
- Subjective loneliness
- Internal perception of being socially isolated.
- Gauge chart
- Semi-circular visual that displays the total score relative to thresholds.