Berlin Social-Support Scales (BSSS)

There are some people who truly like me.

Whenever I am not feeling well, other people show me that they are fond of me.

Whenever I am sad, there are people who cheer me up.

There is always someone there for me when I need comforting.

I know some people upon whom I can always rely.

When I am worried, there is someone who helps me.

There are people who offer me help when I need it.

When everything becomes too much for me to handle, others are there to help me.

When I am down, I need someone who boosts my spirits.

It is important for me always to have someone who listens to me.

Before making any important decisions, I absolutely need a second opinion.

I get along best without any outside help.

In critical situations, I prefer to ask others for their advice.

Whenever I am down, I look for someone to cheer me up again.

When I am worried, I reach out to someone to talk to.

If I do not know how to handle a situation, I ask others what they would do.

Whenever I need help, I ask for it.

This person showed me that he/she loves and accepts me.

This person was there when I needed him/her.

This person comforted me when I was feeling bad.

This person left me alone.

This person did not show much empathy for my situation.

This person complained about me.

This person took care of many things for me.

This person made me feel valued and important.

This person expressed concern about my condition.

This person assured me that I can rely completely on him/her.

This person helped me find something positive in my situation.

This person suggested activities that might distract me.

This person encouraged me not to give up.

This person took care of things I could not manage on my own.

In general, I am very satisfied with the way this person behaved.

I showed him/her how much I cherish and accept him/her.

I was there when he/she needed me.

I comforted him/her when he/she was feeling bad.

I left him/her alone.

I did not have much empathy for him/her.

I criticized him/her.

I did a lot for him/her.

I made him/her feel valued and important.

I expressed my concern about his/her condition.

I reassured him/her that he/she can rely completely on me.

I helped him/her find something positive in his/her situation.

I suggested an activity that might distract him/her.

I encouraged him/her not to give up.

I took care of daily duties that he/she could not fulfill on his/her own.

I kept all bad news from him/her.

I avoided everything that could upset him/her.

I showed strength in his/her presence.

I did not let him/her notice how bad and depressed I really felt.

I avoided any criticism.

I pretended to be very strong, although I did not feel that way.