Assessing peer network and dyadic loneliness

J Clin Child Psychol. 2000 Mar;29(1):119-28. doi: 10.1207/S15374424jccp2901_12.

Abstract

Describes the Peer Network and Dyadic Loneliness Scale (PNDLS), a new scale designed to assess simultaneously children's loneliness at multiple levels of peer relationships. Specifically, this scale measures loneliness associated with (a) lack of involvement in a social network and (b) the absence of a close dyadic friendship. Employing a sample of 209 5th-, 6th-, and 7th-grade boys and girls, the psychometric properties, interscale correlations, and preliminary validity data for the new scale are examined. Analyses revealed good internal consistency and a pattern of relationships with other loneliness, friendship quality, mutual best friendship, and sociometric social preference variables supporting the validity of the new scale.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Loneliness / psychology*
  • Male
  • Peer Group*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Psychology, Child
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires