Understanding the Structure of Social Support Measurement
Author Information
Author(s): Hakan Koğar, Esin Yılmaz Koğar
Primary Institution: Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye; Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Türkiye
Hypothesis
What is the most accurate factor structure of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)?
Conclusion
The study supports a three-factor structure for the MSPSS, indicating its reliability across different languages and sample types.
Supporting Evidence
- The MSPSS has been cited nearly 17,000 times, indicating its widespread use.
- The study found high internal consistency for the MSPSS.
- Measurement invariance was achieved across different languages and sample types.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people measure social support and found that a specific way of grouping the support types works best.
Methodology
Meta-analytic confirmatory factor analysis using data from 59 samples across 54 studies.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to cultural differences in understanding social support.
Limitations
The study could not test some newer models and relied on existing studies that often lacked detailed reporting.
Participant Demographics
59 samples with an average age of 32.7, 59.2% women, from various countries including the USA, Malaysia, and China.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
[.007, .010]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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