Psychometric evaluation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in people with chronic diseases

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in patients with chronic diseases. METHODS: Patients (n = 236) with chronic diseases completed the MSPSS and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. The MSPSS factorial structure was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and internal consistency reliability was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha, the factor score determinacy coefficient and the model-based internal consistency index. Concurrent validity was performed to correlate the MSPSS scores with the SF-36 scores. RESULTS: CFA supported the three-factor structure of the MSPSS with optimal fit indexes. Cronbach's alpha, the factor score determinacy coefficient and the model-based internal consistency index were equal to or greater than 0.89. Concurrent validity supported the significant correlations between the MSPSS and SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS: The MSPSS has supportive validity and reliability and can be used to evaluate the perceived social support received by chronic patients.