Loneliness, Affect, and Self-Concept: Construct Validity of the Bradley Loneliness Scale

Abstract

Loneliness is a painful effect probably universally experienced but which has been long neglected in the psychological literature. This study is an extension of the work begun by Rosalee Bradley in developing a self-report instrument for measuring loneliness. It tests the hypothesis that subjects who score higher differ significantly from those scoring low on the loneliness scale on mood: anxiety, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, confusion, and differ significantly in self-concept as well. Results using data of 208 subjects on the Profile of Mood States, Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, and Bradley Loneliness Scale support this hypothesis and also support the construct validity of the Bradley Loneliness Scale.