De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS)
Also known as: DJGLS, De Jong-Gierveld Scale, 11-item Loneliness Scale
The De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale is one of the most extensively used brief instruments for measuring loneliness in population surveys, clinical research, and gerontological studies. Developed by Jenny De Jong Gierveld and Fons Kamphuis in 1985, the 11-item scale (with a shorter 6-item version available) measures emotional and social dimensions of loneliness, based on the theory that loneliness arises from a discrepancy between desired and actual social relationships. The DJGLS is valued for its brevity, ease of administration, strong psychometric properties, and widespread availability in 30+ languages.
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When to use it
The DJGLS is appropriate for population surveys, geriatric assessment, clinical mental health screening, and loneliness research. It is especially useful in studies of older adults, where loneliness is a known risk factor for mortality, cognitive decline, and depression. The instrument is suitable for community-dwelling and institutionalized populations. It is NOT a diagnostic instrument for depression or psychiatric illness, though loneliness is often comorbid with these conditions.
Strengths & limitations
- Exceptionally brief (11 items, or 6 items in the short form); easily integrated into surveys and clinical assessments without burden.
- Strong psychometric properties; Cronbach α = 0.82–0.89 across samples; test–retest reliability r > 0.75 over 1 year.
- Theoretically grounded distinction between emotional and social loneliness; enables understanding of the specific nature of social disconnection.
- Extensively validated across 30+ languages and diverse cultures; used in international studies and allows cross-national comparisons.
- Does not assess objective social isolation, only subjective loneliness; a person living alone may score low if satisfied with relationships.
- Limited subscale validation in some cultural adaptations; emotional–social distinction may not hold equally across all populations.
- No norms specific to certain populations (e.g., children under 12, specific clinical groups); clinicians must interpret with caution in under-studied groups.
- Does not identify causes of loneliness; high scores warrant further clinical inquiry about bereavement, social circumstance, or psychiatric symptoms.
Frequently asked
Is the 6-item version as reliable as the 11-item version?
Yes. The 6-item DJGLS (DJGLS-6) correlates very highly with the full 11-item scale (r > 0.95) and shows strong reliability. The short form is suitable for large surveys, primary care settings, or when assessment time is limited. However, the short form provides only total loneliness, not subscale distinction between emotional and social loneliness. Use the full 11-item version when subscale information is clinically important.
Can the DJGLS distinguish between loneliness and depression?
The DJGLS specifically measures loneliness, not depression. While loneliness and depression are often correlated (r = 0.50–0.60), they are distinct constructs. A person can be lonely without depression or depressed without feeling lonely. If depression screening is needed, use the PHQ-9 or CESD-R in addition to the DJGLS.
What are the cutoff scores for the DJGLS?
On the 11-item 3-point version, common cutoffs are: 11–14 no/mild loneliness, 15–20 moderate loneliness, and 21+ severe loneliness. However, thresholds vary by country and age group. Norms are published for Dutch, Swedish, German, Australian, and other populations. When possible, use population-specific norms; otherwise, consult the published literature for the nearest match to your sample.
Can the DJGLS be used with children?
The standard DJGLS was developed for adults. A child version (DJGLS-C) exists but has limited validation. For children under 12, alternative loneliness measures may be more appropriate. Consult published child-specific loneliness instruments and validated norms for pediatric populations.
What should I do if a patient scores high on the DJGLS?
High scores indicate significant loneliness and warrant further assessment. Explore the emotional–social subscale breakdown: is the person missing intimate relationships, broader social contact, or both? Ask about recent losses (bereavement, moves), current social circumstances, and psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety). Consider referring to social connection interventions (support groups, befriending services) or psychotherapy if depression or anxiety is present.
Sources
- De Jong Gierveld, J., & Kamphuis, F. (1985). The development of a Rasch-type loneliness scale. Applied Psychological Measurement, 9(4), 289-299. DOI: 10.1177/014662168500900307 ↗
- De Jong Gierveld, J., & Van Tilburg, T. (2006). A 6-item scale for overall, emotional, and social loneliness. Research on Aging, 28(5), 582-598. DOI: 10.1177/0164027506289723 ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS). ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/social-psychology/de-jong-gierveld-loneliness
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