Validation of Two Existential Loneliness Scales in Emerging Adults

Emerging adults experience intense instability and uncertainty in their lives. The relevance of existential loneliness to emerging adults has received little attention in loneliness research. This study investigated the psychometric properties of two recently developed existential loneliness scales, the Existential Loneliness scale (ELS) and the Brief Scale of Existential Loneliness (BSEL), among 370 emerging adults aged from 18 to 29 years. The results demonstrated that the BSEL had sound psychometric properties in this age group, while the psychometric properties of ELS were acceptable. As predicted, existential loneliness measured by each scale positively correlated with general loneliness, depressive symptoms and anxiety, and negatively correlated with satisfaction of life and presence of meaning in life. These results underscore the importance of examining how existential loneliness impacts the psychological well-being of emerging adults.