Development and Validation of the Caring Loneliness Scale
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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning
Published on: August 29, 2025
Liisa Karhe1, Marja Kaunonen, Anna-Maija Koivisto
1University of Tampere, Finland.
Background And Purpose:
The Caring Loneliness Scale (CARLOS) includes 5 categories derived from earlier qualitative research. This article assesses the reliability and construct validity of a scale designed to measure patient experiences of loneliness in a professional caring relationship.
Methods:
Statistical analysis with 4 different sample sizes included Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analysis with principal axis factoring extraction.
Results:
The sample size of 250 gave the most useful and comprehensible structure, but all 4 samples yielded underlying content of loneliness experiences. The initial 5 categories were reduced to 4 factors with 24 items and Cronbach's alpha ranging from .77 to .90.
Conclusion:
The findings support the reliability and validity of CARLOS for the assessment of Finnish breast cancer and heart surgery patients' experiences but as all instruments, further validation is needed.
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