What is it about?
This study looked at how well a widely used loneliness questionnaire, the UCLA-R Loneliness Scaleworks for teenagers in Ecuador. Loneliness can seriously affect young people's mental and physical health, so it’s important to measure it accurately. The researchers tested the questionnaire with over 700 adolescents to see if it was reliable and fair for both boys and girls. They found that a slightly shorter version of the scale (with 19 questions instead of 20) worked best. The study helps ensure that professionals in Ecuador can use a trusted tool to better understand and support lonely teenagers.
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Why is it important?
This is the first study to test how well the UCLA-R Loneliness Scale works for teenagers in Ecuador. Until now, this tool had not been formally evaluated for use in this population. Given the growing concern about teen loneliness and its impact on mental health, especially in Latin America, having a culturally adapted and scientifically validated scale is essential. This research provides mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers with a reliable way to identify and support adolescents who may be struggling with loneliness. It also opens the door for future research and targeted interventions across similar cultural settings
Perspectives
As someone deeply interested in adolescent mental health, I found this study to be both meaningful and necessary. Loneliness is often overlooked in teens, especially in non-Western contexts, and having a reliable tool to measure it in Ecuadorian adolescents feels like an important step forward. What I appreciated most was seeing how cultural nuances were taken into account in the validation process. I hope this work inspires more localized research and, more importantly, drives real change in how we support young people who may feel isolated or disconnected.
Wilson Siguenza
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Factorial structure, validity, and gender invariance of the UCLA-R loneliness scale in ecuadorian adolescents, PLOS One, August 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328163.
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