Isolating frequency scale effects on self-reported loneliness

Response options presented on questionnaires affect self-reports concerning the frequency of loneliness. Two experiments using items from the UCLA Loneliness Scale—Version 3 (ULS) presented participants with either of two response option ranges. In Experiment 1, response options in the high-frequency condition ranged from “Every Day” to “Never.” In the low-frequency condition, response options ranged from “Once a month or more often” to “Never.” In Experiment 2, response options ranged from “Every Day” to “Never” in the high-frequency condition and from “Once a week or more often” to “Never” in the low-frequency condition. Results confirmed that self-reported frequency of experiences related to loneliness increased when participants were presented with response options emphasizing higher frequency. Implications for the ULS in particular, and questionnaire design in general, are discussed.