Loneliness Test — Free 8-Item Self-Check for Emotional & Social Loneliness
- Free
- 8 questions
- No sign-up
- Instant result
A free 8-item self-check covering emotional loneliness, social loneliness and perceived isolation. Takes about 2 minutes and gives you a 0-24 score, a plain-language interpretation of your range, and practical steps for rebuilding connection.
What's included
- Questions
- 8 items
- Price
- Free
- Areas measured
- Total Loneliness Score
Three sides of loneliness in 8 questions
Loneliness (SLC) is an 8-item self-check of how often you felt lonely over the past two weeks. Each item is answered with "Not at all" (0 points), "Sometimes" (1), "Often" (2) or "Almost always" (3), and it takes about two minutes. There are no right answers; the more honestly you answer, the closer the result will be to where you are now.
The items cover three strands of loneliness. Emotional loneliness shows up, for example, as having no one to confide in or lean on when things are hard; social loneliness as feeling that no one reaches out first or that there is no group where you can relax and belong; and perceived isolation as feeling alone even among people, cut off from those around you, or not truly understood by anyone.
A single total from 0 to 24
The eight items add up to a total of 0–24: 0–5 is shown as stable, 6–11 as mild loneliness, 12–17 as moderate and 18–24 as high loneliness. Because the three strands are combined into one score rather than scored separately, it helps to recall which items you rated high: that shows whether what is missing right now is a close relationship or a wider network.
Loneliness is not the same as time spent alone. You can score high while seeing people often, and score low while living a fairly solitary life. Scores can also rise temporarily when the rhythm of your relationships changes, such as just after starting at a new school or workplace. The bands are provisional reference points set by frequency logic, not clinical diagnostic criteria.
Built on Weiss's distinction
This check is an 8-item scale composed by Soundary itself, based on the distinction Weiss (1973) drew between emotional and social loneliness. The starting idea is that missing one close person and missing a group to belong to feel different and are eased in different ways. It is a reference tool that has not yet been clinically validated, and it is not a diagnosis.
When you retake it, you can compare with your previous result to see whether your efforts to connect have actually moved the score. For classes or research, a group link lets people answer together anonymously without signing in. If a high score persists and your sleep or mood is slipping, talk to a mental health professional. If you have thoughts of not wanting to live, contact local emergency services or a crisis line right away.
How scores are interpreted
Total Loneliness Score
0-24 points. This is the combined score of emotional loneliness (lack of intimate relationships), social loneliness (lack of social networks), and perceived isolation. A higher score indicates more frequent experiences of loneliness over the past 2 weeks. The range criteria are provisional reference standards based on symptom frequency logic and are not clinical diagnostic criteria.
0–5pts · Stable
You have rarely experienced loneliness over the past 2 weeks. You seem to be maintaining your current interpersonal relationships and sense of connection relatively well. Keep up your current relationship habits.
6–11pts · Mild Loneliness
You experience loneliness occasionally. This is a level that anyone can go through, but it may be helpful to slightly increase contact with close people or participate in group activities. Retake the test regularly to monitor any changes.
12–17pts · Moderate Loneliness
You may be experiencing loneliness frequently. Since persistent loneliness can lead to low mood or sleep problems, try sharing your feelings with someone you trust and plan regular social activities. We also recommend checking your mood with a mood assessment.
18–24pts · Severe Loneliness
You are highly likely experiencing significant loneliness and isolation. Since prolonged high levels of loneliness are often accompanied by difficulties such as depression and anxiety, consultation with a mental health professional is recommended. This result is a screening for reference purposes, not a diagnosis.
Sample questions
- 1. I felt that there was no one I could comfortably open up to.
- 2. I couldn't think of anyone to lean on even when going through a hard time.
- 3. I felt alone even when I was with other people.
- 4. I felt that no one reaches out or contacts me first.
Over the past 2 weeks, how often have you experienced the following feelings or thoughts? Please select the closest option. There are no right or wrong answers, and the more honestly you respond, the more accurate your results will be.
FAQ
How do I interpret my loneliness score?
Scores run from 0 to 24. Roughly, 0-5 is stable, 6-11 mild loneliness, 12-17 moderate, and 18 or above high. A higher score simply means you felt lonely more often over the past two weeks. It is a screening reference, not a diagnosis.
What is the difference between loneliness and depression?
Loneliness is the gap between the relationships you want and the ones you have. Depression is a broader state affecting mood, sleep, appetite and interest. They often overlap, and prolonged loneliness raises the risk of depression, so it helps to also take a PHQ-9 depression self-check.
At what score should I consider seeing a professional?
Consider talking to someone if a score of 12 or higher persists for more than two weeks, or if it comes with poor sleep, avoiding people, or trouble getting through the day. If you score 18 or above, or have thoughts of not wanting to live, reach out to a mental health professional promptly.
How often should I retake this loneliness check?
Every two to four weeks works well. Loneliness shifts a lot with life changes such as moving, changing jobs or a breakup, so repeating the check on a steady schedule lets you watch the trend and see which social habits actually help.
Source
The items in this test are a self-check adaptation based on the original instrument and literature below: Weiss, R. S. (1973). Loneliness: The Experience of Emotional and Social Isolation — an 8-item check (SLC) composed by Soundary itself on the concept that distinguishes emotional from social loneliness; it is for reference only, prior to clinical validation.
Read more
Related tests
This is a self-screening tool, not a medical diagnosis. If the result concerns you, please consult a mental health professional.