The UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) consists of 20 questions designed to assess how frequently an individual feels disconnected from others.

Individuals who achieve high scores on this scale frequently encounter challenges in areas that influence social mobility. For instance, they often struggle with more difficult friendships and romantic relationships compared to those who score lower. Unhealthy relationships can also be both a cause and a consequence of experiences related to poverty.

Loneliness is associated with job burnout, chronic health issues, physical inactivity, and even a shorter lifespan. These employment and health difficulties can further restrict chances for upward social mobility.

Moreover, studies indicate that having a well-rounded life—which includes adequate sleep, time dedicated to work, family, friends, and personal leisure—is linked to experiencing fewer feelings of loneliness. Nevertheless, achieving this balance can be particularly difficult for individuals living in poverty. Consequently, loneliness can emerge from poverty and serve as an obstacle to overcoming it.

Reliability and Validity: Results indicated that the measure was highly reliable, both in terms of internal consistency (coefficient alpha ranging from .89 to .94) and test-retest reliability over a 1-year period (r = .73).

Ref: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8576833/