Social support and aging: psychometric analysis of the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument in a Chilean population over 50
2025

Social Support and Aging in Chile

Sample size: 303 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Salinas-Rehbein Belén, Terán-Mendoza Oscar, Cancino Vicente

Primary Institution: Universidad Católica de Temuco

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI) in a sample of people over 50 years old living in Chile.

Conclusion

The ESSI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring social support in the Chilean context for individuals over 50.

Supporting Evidence

  • The ESSI showed excellent internal consistency with a reliability coefficient of α=0.902.
  • The study found an inverse correlation between the ESSI and Newsom's social negativity scale, supporting construct validity.
  • Temporal invariance analyses indicated that the scale items are consistent over time.

Takeaway

This study shows that a simple questionnaire can help understand how supported older people feel, which is important for their health and happiness.

Methodology

The study used a non-experimental, longitudinal panel design with surveys administered to participants over 50 years old, analyzing the psychometric properties of the ESSI.

Potential Biases

Self-report measures may be susceptible to social desirability bias.

Limitations

The study used non-probability sampling, which may limit the generalizability of the results.

Participant Demographics

Participants were adults over 50 years old, with a mean age of 55.14 years, and 52% were women.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.029

Confidence Interval

[0.018–0.098]

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s41155-024-00329-8

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