Psychometric Properties of the Greek Version of the Relational Provisions Loneliness Questionnaire (RPLQ) in Early Adolescents

Abstract

Background

Loneliness during adolescence has increased worldwide in recent years and has been consistently associated with a broad range of adverse psychosocial outcomes. The availability of valid and reliable measures is essential for the early identification of loneliness and for the rigorous evaluation of intervention effectiveness. Nevertheless, multidimensional, psychometrically validated instruments for assessing loneliness in Greek adolescents remain limited.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Relational Provisions Loneliness Questionnaire (RPLQ; Hayden-Thomson, 1989), which assesses social and emotional dimensions of loneliness (i.e., integration and intimacy) within family and peer relationships.

Methods

The sample consisted of 503 students aged 13–14 years, recruited from secondary schools through stratified random sampling. The factor structure was tested via Confirmatory Factor Analysis, while internal consistency, validity evidence, and measurement invariance across gender were examined.

Results

The four-factor model demonstrated the best fit (CFI = .997, TLI = .997, RMSEA = .032, SRMR = .050) and yielded high standardized factor loadings (λ = .63–.93). Internal consistency was high across all dimensions (ω = .87–.92), and convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity were supported. Measurement invariance across gender was supported at the configural, metric, and scalar (threshold) levels.

Conclusions

The Greek version of the RPLQ is a valid and reliable instrument for the multidimensional assessment of adolescent loneliness, supporting its use in research and prevention efforts.

Plain Language Summary

Loneliness during adolescence can take different forms and occur in different relationships. For some young people, it may mean not feeling close to their family. For others, it may mean feeling excluded by friends or not fully accepted in their everyday relationships. A measure designed for adolescents therefore needs to capture these different experiences, rather than treating loneliness as one general feeling. In Greece, however, there are still few validated tools that assess different forms of loneliness in this age group. This study examined the Greek version of the Relational Provisions Loneliness Questionnaire, a self-report questionnaire that adolescents complete on their own. It focuses on two important relational contexts -family and peers- and, within each context, on two aspects of loneliness: lack of emotional closeness and lack of inclusion and connection in everyday relationships. The study included 503 students aged 13-14 years in Greek secondary schools, who responded to a set of statements about their family and peer relationships. The findings supported the Greek version of the questionnaire. It measured four related but distinct kinds of loneliness -emotional and social loneliness- each in the context of family and of peers. The responses within each part were consistent with one another, and the questionnaire reflected loneliness in the way it was expected to. It also performed in a similar way for boys and girls. These results suggest that the Greek version of the questionnaire can be used by researchers and practitioners to better understand how adolescents experience loneliness with family and peers.