Translation and validation of the “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support” in the Greek general population

Abstract

Abstract Background Social support is an external factor that can improve individuals’ adaptation to stressful life events. Valid tools are necessary to measure social support in the general population. Objective To translate and validate the “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support” (MSPSS) in a sample of the Greek general population. Methods We translated the MSPSS in Greek using the forward-backward translation method. We assessed test-retest reliability, internal reliability, face validity, construct validity, and concurrent validity. First, we calculated intraclass correlation coefficients and Cronbach’s coefficient alpha to assess the reliability of the MSPSS. Then, we employed confirmatory factor analysis to assess the construct validity of the MSPSS. Finally, we used the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the single item burnout measure, and the COVID-19 burnout scale (COVID-19-BS) to assess the concurrent validity of the MSPSS. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients for the three subscales of the MSPSS (family, friends, and significant others subscales) and the total scale score ranged from 0.862 to 0.914 (p < 0.001 in all cases). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three factors structure (family, friends, and significant others subscales) of the original version of the MSPSS. Cronbach’s coefficients alpha for the family, friends, and significant others subscales and the total scale were 0.888, 0.935, 0.935, and 0.941 respectively. Concurrent validity of the MSPSS was perfect since we found statistically significant correlations between the MSPSS and PHQ-4 (r = -0.181, p < 0.001), BRS (r = 0.199, p < 0.001), single item burnout measure (r = -0.068, p = 0.015), and COVID-19-BS (r = -0.136, p < 0.001). Conclusions The MSPSS is a reliable and valid tool to measure social support in the general population. Measurement of social support among individuals is necessary to improve this external psychological factor.