Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support
Abstract: The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) test is a 12-item measure developed by Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, and Farley (1988) designed to measure perceptions of support from three sources: family, friends, and a significant other. It identifies how easy or hard it is for the respondent to seek help and support from these three sources. Across many studies, the MSPSS has been shown to have good internal and test-retest reliability, good validity, and a fairly stable factorial structure.
Who Completed this Measure?: Target Child/Youth (now in adulthood)
Cohort 1 - Administrative History
- Year 28 | age 33-34
Cohort 2 - Administrative History
- Year 28 | age 33-34
Cohort 3 - Administrative History
- Year 28 | age 33-34
Technical Reports:
Raw Dataset Name: c28fj
Scored Dataset Name: mps28
Is this Measure Available for Public Use?: Yes
Measure Items and Scales:
| c28fj01 | MPS: There is a special person who is around when I am in need. |
| c28fj02 | MPS: There is a special person with whom I can share my joys and sorrows. |
| c28fj03 | MPS: My family really tries to help me. |
| c28fj04 | MPS: I get the emotional help and support I need from my family. |
| c28fj05 | MPS: I have a special person who is a real source of comfort to me. |
| c28fj06 | MPS: My friends really try to help me. |
| c28fj07 | MPS: I can count on my friends when things go wrong. |
| c28fj08 | MPS: I can talk about my problems with my family. |
| c28fj09 | MPS: I have friends with whom I can share my joys and sorrows. |
| c28fj10 | MPS: There is a special person in my life who cares about my feelings. |
| c28fj11 | MPS: My family is willing to help me make decisions. |
| c28fj12 | MPS: I can talk about my problems with my friends. |
| Scales | Items | Description |
| mps28fam | c28fj03, 04, 08, 11 | MPS28 Perceived Support from Family Mean Subscale |
| mps28fri | c28fj06, 07, 08, 12 | MPS28 Perceived Support from Friends Mean Subscale |
| mps28sgn | c28fj01, 02, 05, 10 | MPS28 Perceived Support from Significant Other Mean Subscale |
| mps28tot | c28fj01-12 | MPS28 Perceived Social Support Total Mean Scale |