Multidimensional scale of perceived social support: evidence of validity and reliability in a Chilean adaptation for older adults

Cristhian Pérez-Villalobos,Mary Jane Schilling-Norman,Sergio Contreras-Espinoza,Juan Carlos Briede-Westermeyer

doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02404-6

Abstract

BackgroundGiven the relevance of social support on the mental health of older adults, having an instrument to evaluate this variable is essential for research in the area. However, mainly, having instruments with suitable evidence of their psychometric properties is critical. For this reason, this study sought to evaluate the factorial and reliability structure of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support within autonomous older adults from the Province of Concepción, Chile.MethodsWe surveyed 399 older adults using quote sampling. They answered a Spanish version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, plus a sociodemographic questionnaire. We performed confirmatory factor analysis using Weighted Least Squares Means and Variances adjusted estimation (WLSMV) to compare the factor models proposes by previous studies. To evaluate reliability, we calculated Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega.ResultsThe Confirmatory factor analysis found that the 3-factors models showed the best fist index between the models with CFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.989, and SRMR = 0.035, even though RMSEA were over the cutoff point. The factors presented reliabilities from α = 0.858 to α = 0.941, and from ω = 0.937 to ω = 0.972.ConclusionsThe results support the existence of three factors for the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), differentiating the support perceived from Family, Friends, and significant others. All factors present good or excellent reliability. This solution is theoretically consistent and coherent with the literature, and it presents evidence in favor of the use of MSPSS as a measurement to distinguish the support perceived source.

Highlights

Given the relevance of social support on the mental health of older adults, having an instrument to evaluate this variable is essential for research in the area
This study focused on perceived social support, that is referred to how older adults assess their access to instrumental and/or expressive provisions [17], and it aims to differentiate between sources of support for older adults that tend, in general, to be lost and reduced with age [6], which would allow generating interventions focused on maintaining active social relations in this stage of life
Root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was over the cutoff point in the four cases, showing a poor fit, even when the 3-factors model was closer to acceptable performance

Summary

Introduction

Given the relevance of social support on the mental health of older adults, having an instrument to evaluate this variable is essential for research in the area. Having instruments with suitable evidence of their psychometric properties is critical. For this reason, this study sought to evaluate the factorial and reliability structure of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support within autonomous older adults from the Province of Concepción, Chile. As in the rest of the world, it implies an achievement for the health systems, demonstrating an increase in life expectancy [2]. It Previous research in Chile about quality of life among older adults showed that social relationships are an important aspect in this stage of life and are positively valued. Chronic illnesses tend to go hand in hand with disability and functional difficulties, which reduces activity and increases social isolation, which is a risk for older adults [8]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion