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Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is a 12-item measure designed to assess perceptions of social support adequacy from three specific sources: family, friends and significant other.

Categories

Geographies Tested: United States of America

Populations Included: Female, Male

Age Range: Adolescents, Adults

Items:

  1. There is a special person who is around when I am in need.
  2. There is a special person with whom I can share my joys and sorrows.
  3. My family really tries to help me.
  4. I get the emotional help and support I need from my family
  5. I have a special person who is a real source of comfort to me.
  6. My friends really try to help me.
  7. I can count on my friends when things go wrong.
  8. I can talk about my problems with my family.
  9. I have friends with whom I can share my joys and sorrows.
  10. There is a special person in my life who cares about my feelings.
  11. My family is willing to help me make decisions
  12. I can talk about my problems with my friends.

Response Options:
Very Strongly Disagree - 1
Strongly Disagree - 2
Disagree - 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree - 4
Agree - 5
Strongly Agree - 6
Very Strongly Agree - 7

Scoring Procedures

The mean score is calculated for the total measure and for each of the 3 sub-scales (family, friends and significant other).

Original Citation

Zimet, G. D., Dahlem, N. W., Zimet, S. G., & Farley, G. K. (1988). The multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Journal of personality assessment, 52(1), 30-41.


Psychometric Score

Ease of Use Score

Scoring breakdown

Formative Research

Qualitative Research

Existing Literature/Theoretical Framework

Field Expert Input

Cognitive Interviews / Pilot Testing

Reliability

Internal

Test-retest

Interrater

Validity

Content

Face

Criterion (gold-standard)

Construct

KEY

Ease of Use

Readability

Scoring Clarity

Length

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