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Differential Loneliness Scale
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About Scale Name
Scale Name
Differential Loneliness Scale
Author Details
Norbert Schmidt and Verena Sermat
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Differential Loneliness Scale (DLS) is a 60-item self-report scale designed to measure one’s subjective sense of lacking satisfaction with a variety of social relationships. The scale was developed by Norbert Schmidt and Verena Sermat in 1983, and it has been used in a variety of research studies since then.
The DLS measures loneliness in four different areas: romantic/sexual relationships, friendships, family relationships, and relationships with the community. Each item on the scale is answered on a true/false basis, and the total score can range from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating higher levels of loneliness.
The DLS has been shown to be a valid and reliable measure of loneliness. It has been found to be sensitive to changes in loneliness over time, and it has been shown to be predictive of a variety of negative outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and poor health.
The DLS is a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians who are interested in understanding and measuring loneliness. It is a comprehensive measure that can be used to assess loneliness in a variety of different populations.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Provide the participant with the DLS instructions. The instructions should be read aloud to the participant, or they should be given a copy of the instructions to read themselves.
- Ask the participant to answer each item on the scale honestly. There are no right or wrong answers, and the participant should not spend too much time thinking about each item.
- Score the DLS. The scoring instructions are provided in the DLS manual.
- Interpret the DLS scores. The DLS manual provides guidelines for interpreting DLS scores.
- Here are some additional tips for administering the DLS:
- Make sure that the participant is in a quiet place where they will not be interrupted.
- Allow the participant enough time to complete the scale.
- If the participant has any questions about the scale, answer them in a clear and concise way.
Reliability and Validity
The DLS has good internal consistency, meaning that the items on the scale are all measuring the same construct. The total scale has an alpha coefficient of 0.90, which is considered to be excellent. The four subscales of the DLS also have good internal consistency, with alpha coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.80.
The DLS has also been shown to have good test-retest reliability, meaning that scores on the scale are consistent over time. In one study, participants took the DLS twice, one month apart, and their scores were highly correlated (r = 0.80).
The DLS has been shown to have good construct validity, meaning that it measures what it is supposed to measure. The scale has been shown to correlate with other measures of loneliness, such as the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Social Isolation Questionnaire.
The DLS has also been shown to be predictive of a variety of negative outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and poor health. In one study, participants who scored high on the DLS were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety one year later.
Available Versions
60-Items
Reference
Schmidt, N., & Sermat, V. (1983). Measuring loneliness in different relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 45(2), 245-254.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Differential Loneliness Scale (DLS)?
The Differential Loneliness Scale (DLS) is a self-report scale designed to measure one’s subjective sense of lacking satisfaction with various social relationships. It assesses loneliness in four areas: romantic/sexual relationships, friendships, family relationships, and relationships with the community.
Who are the authors of the Differential Loneliness Scale?
The Differential Loneliness Scale (DLS) was developed by Norbert Schmidt and Verena Sermat in 1983.
How many items are there in the DLS?
The DLS consists of 60 items that participants respond to on a true/false basis.
How is the DLS scored?
Each item on the DLS is answered as true or false. The total score can range from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating higher levels of loneliness. Scoring instructions can be found in the DLS manual.
How should the DLS be administered?
Participants should be provided with the DLS instructions, which can be read aloud to them or given as a written copy. Participants are asked to answer each item honestly, without spending too much time on each item. It is important to ensure a quiet environment for the participant and allow sufficient time for completion.
How can DLS scores be interpreted?
Guidelines for interpreting DLS scores are provided in the DLS manual. The interpretation takes into account the total score as well as subscale scores related to different areas of relationships.
Is the DLS a reliable measure?
Yes, the DLS has good internal consistency, indicating that its items measure the same construct. The total scale has an excellent alpha coefficient of 0.90. The four subscales also demonstrate good internal consistency, with alpha coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.80.
Is the DLS a valid measure of loneliness?
Yes, the DLS has good construct validity and has been shown to measure what it is intended to measure. It correlates with other measures of loneliness, such as the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Social Isolation Questionnaire.
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