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.