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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Cross-sectional research methodology was used to measure loneliness felt by older adults. Data of this study were drawn from tree samples that included altogether 2,100 older persons in Israel. The De Jong Gierveld Loneliness scale demonstrated good psychometric properties similar to those of the English version. Internal consistency of Cronbach's alpha was high (α = .86), and the measure showed good convergent and exploratory validity. This was due to significant correlations with frequency of feeling loneliness, quality of life, satisfaction with life, value of life, and perceived health, functional, and economic status. Factor analysis showed three loading factors instead of the two in the original version. The scale can be a useful for comparative research as well as a screening instrument for professionals working with older adults to assess the degree of loneliness felt by them. The scale also provides indications of the need for professional intervention when loneliness is great and negatively affects the older person's quality of life.
Notes
**p < .01, ***p < .001.