Psychometric properties of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support in Pakistani young adults

ABSTRACT

Present study was designed to assess psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, and Parley, 1988], on Pakistani young adults. The internal consistency [Cronbach's coefficient alpha], test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in Pakistani young adult were addressed. The sample of 237 adults including 97 [40.9%] females and 140 [59.1%] males was collected from different departments of University of Karachi, Federal Urdu University, and Institute of Business Management. The age range of the sample was 19-25 years [M =21.93 SD= 2.080]. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, and Parley, 1988], Social Provisions Scale [SPS; Cutrona and Russell, 1987], Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D; Radloff, 1977], and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSES; Rosenberg, 1965] were administered in first phase of study. After one month duration Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was re-administered on 39 subjects. Cronbach's coefficient alpha and Pearson Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation were applied by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS; V- 12.0]. It was found that Cronbach's coefficient alpha, for total MSPSS scores was .899 and on subscales of Significant Other, Family, and Friends, the values were .86, .87, and .86, respectively. The test-retest reliability for MSPSS scores was. 76 and on its subscales of Significant Other, Family, and Friends, the values were .74, .73, and .50, respectively. Construct validity ofMSPSS was r= .58 [p<01] with SPS; r= -.32 [p<01] with CES-D; and r= .29 [p<.01] with RSES. It was concluded that MSPSS is a reliable and valid measure of perceived social support in Pakistani young adults