Area(s) of Measurement
Given that different tools measure different concepts, it is important for practitioners to understand which one(s) their intervention addresses and identify appropriate measurement tools accordingly. Definitions for these concepts vary. The ones provided here are from Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon-General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.
Social connection: A continuum of the size and diversity of one’s social network and roles, the functions these relationships serve, and their positive or negative qualities.
Social isolation: Objectively having few social relationships, social roles, group memberships, and infrequent social interaction.
Loneliness: A subjective distressing experience that results from perceived isolation or inadequate meaningful connection, where inadequate refers to the discrepancy or unmet need between an individual’s preferred and actual experience.
More information on these concepts and how they vary can be found here.
Component(s) of Social Connection
The inventory includes tools that measure all aspects of social relationships, as identified by Julianne Holt-Lunstad: structure, function, and quality. These components are defined in the US Surgeon General’s Advisory as follows:
Method of Measurement
Note: The information provided in this category indicates the original method of measurement used in the development of the tool. This does not mean an alternative method cannot be used, although given that it may not have been tested, it may affect the tool’s quality.
Intended Administrator(s)
Note: The information provided in this category indicates the original administrator of a tool (for example, a researcher). This does not mean that it cannot be administered by an alternative individual, although given that it may not have been tested, it may affect the tool’s quality.
Intended Subject(s)
Note: The information provided in this category indicates the original subject of a tool (for example, a research participant). This does not mean that it cannot be used in an alternative context, although given that it may not have been tested, it may affect the tool’s quality.
Target Demographic(s)
While some tools were designed to be used among specific populations (e.g., older adults), others were not — in these cases, information on the demographics of the original subjects has been provided, where available.
Modality of Tool
This refers to the medium through which a tool is administered (for example, through an online form, or a phone call). Note: The information provided in this category indicates the original modality of a tool (for example, a research participant). This does not mean that an alternative modality cannot be used, although given that it may not have been tested, it may affect the tool’s quality. “Unspecified” indicates that information on the original modality could not be found.
Research on Psychometric Properties
Psychometric properties are used to determine the quality of a tool. In this context, the main ones are validity and reliability. Validity refers to whether a tool actually measures what it intends to measure, while reliability captures whether a tool consistently measures the same thing. For more information on the different types of validity and reliability, visit this website.
Endorsement(s)/Recommendation(s)
Several organizations and government bodies have provided recommendations for measurement tools. These take into account various factors, including the extent to which these tools have been studied, how feasible they are to implement, and the framing of the questions (whether they are positively or negatively worded).
Tool Guide(s)
Some organizations have developed guides for how to administer measurement tools, which include information on how to maintain privacy, interpret the data collected, and support staff in the implementation process.