The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is a 12-item self-report questionnaire that measures the perceived availability and adequacy of social support from three sources: family, friends, and significant other. It was developed by Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, and Farley (1988).
The MSPSS has three subscales, each of which contains four items:
- Family subscale: assesses the perceived availability and adequacy of social support from family members.
- Friends subscale: assesses the perceived availability and adequacy of social support from friends.
- Significant other subscale: assesses the perceived availability and adequacy of social support from a significant other.
The MSPSS has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of perceived social support. It has been used in a variety of research studies, including studies of mental and physical health, coping, and social support.
The MSPSS is a useful tool for measuring perceived social support. It is a reliable and valid measure that can be used to identify individuals who may be at risk for social isolation or loneliness. The MSPSS can also be used to assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to increase social support.
Here are some of the strengths of the MSPSS:
- It is a short, easy-to-use measure.
- It has been shown to be reliable and valid in a variety of research studies.
- It is available in a variety of languages.
Here are some of the limitations of the MSPSS:
- It is a self-report measure, so it is susceptible to social desirability bias.
- It is a relatively new measure, so there is limited research on its long-term validity.
- It is not available in all languages.
Overall, the MSPSS is a useful tool for measuring perceived social support. It is a reliable and valid measure that can be used to identify individuals who may be at risk for social isolation or loneliness. The MSPSS can also be used to assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to increase social support.
Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet‚ Dahlem‚ Zimet & Farley‚ 1988)
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There is a special person who is around when I am in need.
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SO
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There is a special person with whom I can share my joys and sorrows.
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SO
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My family really tries to help me.
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I get the emotional help and support I need from my family.
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I have a special person who is a real source of comfort to me.
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My friends really try to help me.
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I can count on my friends when things go wrong.
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I can talk about my problems with my family.
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I have friends with whom I can share my joys and sorrows.
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There is a special person in my life who cares about my feelings.
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My family is willing to help me make decisions.
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I can talk about my problems with my friends.
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Canty-Mitchell‚ J. & Zimet‚ G.D. (2000). Psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in urban adolescents. American Journal of Community Psychology‚ 28‚ 391-400.
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‚ 30-41.
Zimet‚ G.D.‚ Powell‚ S.S.‚ Farley‚ G.K.‚ Werkman‚ S. & Berkoff‚ K.A. (1990). Psychometric characteristics of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Journal of Personality Assessment‚ 55‚ 610-17.
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology
Faculty of Health
York University
Toronto‚ Ontario
Canada M3J 1P