Differential Test of Aloneness (DTA-PL): Psychometric Evaluation of the Polish-Language Version and Its Relevance for Research on Close Relationships

The article presents a psychometric evaluation of the Polish version of the Differential Test of Aloneness (DTA-PL). The study involved 577 participants. The analyses supported a three-factor structure comprising General Experience of Loneliness, Dependence on Communication, and Positive Solitude. The scales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α ranging from 0.74 to 0.87). Model fit was acceptable (CFI = 0.892, RMSEA = 0.065). The Polish adaptation of the DTA-PL may serve as a useful instrument for research on both negative and positive aspects of being alone. In the context of human functioning within the family, this may be of particular importance. The experience of loneliness, even among individuals living in close relationships, may affect the quality of family bonds, the sense of support, and the ability to build satisfying relationships with a partner, children, or parents. The results suggest that different forms of loneliness may also manifest within the family environment, influencing communication patterns, the level of emotional involvement, and the individual’s overall functioning within the family system.