I'm Feeling Lonely

Connection to others is a fundamental human need. Use this brief quiz to assess whether lack of social connection is impacting your life.

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What is Loneliness?

Loneliness is a feeling of disconnection that is different from just being physically alone. Chronic loneliness can significantly impact mental health, and is closely linked to many conditions including depression, declining physical health, and our ability to think and make decisions.[1]

While improvements in technology have made us more connected than ever, modern society has also become increasingly fractured and competitive. Many activities and communities that used to exist in the physical world have been replaced by virtual and online alternatives that do not fully meet our needs for genuine human connection (think of the loss of social connections made at local community centres, with neighbours, at colleges/universities, and workplaces).[2]

Why are Men So Lonely?

Several factors contribute to high rates of male loneliness. Social norms often discourage men from sharing difficulties with others or seeking emotional support, leading to a sense of isolation. Pressure to conform to the norms of traditional masculinity can make it challenging for men to form close bonds or seek help when needed.

A 2018 study found that more than one in five people in the UK and US report that they “always or often feel lonely, left out, isolated, or that they lack companionship”, with the proportion increasing among those who are disabled, lower income, younger, and/or single.[3] 

The negative impacts of chronic loneliness have become so pronounced that, following a 2017 report, the UK established a Minister for Loneliness, highlighting the issue as a key public health concern.[4]

Assessing Your Loneliness

The survey presented below is a short self-assessment that asks questions related to the relationships we have and our social connectedness. It does not offer a diagnosis, but may help you to identify if loneliness is causing you distress or reducing your overall well-being.

 At the end of the quiz, we’ll provide information and practical tips on improving your social and personal connections.

Come back and track your progress

This questionnaire can be taken over a period of time to track how your experience of loneliness is changing. 

Disclaimer

This assessment is based on the UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale[5] and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).[6] While these are often used by doctors and mental health professionals to assist with diagnoses and as a part of health assessments, this survey should not be used on its own as a self-diagnosis. 

The score you receive after completing this survey is an indication of how you are feeling right now, but does not reflect your permanent state of being. Loneliness is something faced by everyone throughout life to varying degrees and in various contexts. 

Regardless of your stage in life or where you are right now, it is possible to improve your connection to others, and to build a stronger foundation for mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Privacy

The Loneliness survey is anonymous and no personally identifying information is required. It includes an opt-in demographic section that helps inform our understanding of our visitors and the development of our content.

Contact information for our email newsletter (if you choose to opt-in) and your responses are stored separately. See our terms, privacy, and conditions for more information.

References

  1. Donovan, N. J., Wu, Q., Rentz, D. M., Sperling, R. A., Marshall, G. A., & Glymour, M. M. (2016). Loneliness, depression and cognitive function in older U.S. adults. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 32(5), 564–573. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.4495
  2. Becker, J. C., Hartwich, L., & Haslam, S. A. (2021). Neoliberalism can reduce well‐being by promoting a sense of social disconnection, competition, and loneliness. British Journal of Social Psychology, 60(3), 947–965. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12438
  3. DiJulio, Bianca, Liz Hamel, Cailey Munana, and Mollyann Brodie. 2018. Loneliness and Social Isolation in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan: An International Survey. KFF. https://www.kff.org/report-section/loneliness-and-social-isolation-in-the-united-states-the-united-kingdom-and-japan-an-international-survey-introduction/
  4. Pimlott N. (2018). The ministry of loneliness. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 64(3), 166. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5851382/
  5. Russell, D. W. (1996). UCLA loneliness scale (version 3): Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 66(1), 20-40. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa6601_2
  6. Van Dam, N. T., & Earleywine, M. (2011). Validation of the center for epidemiologic studies depression Scale—Revised (CESD-R): Pragmatic depression assessment in the general population. Psychiatry Research, 186(1), 128-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2010.08.018