The reliability and validity of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) in mothers of children with developmental disabilities in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundSocial support is critical to the well-being for mothers of children with developmental disabilities (DD). The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) has not been assessed for reliability and validity among such mothers in the Saudi Arabian context. MethodAn Arabic version of the MSPSS was developed and administered to 606 mothers who had a child with DD (188 with autism spectrum disorder and 418 with intellectual disability), and who were purposefully recruited from three regions in Saudi Arabia. ResultsThe scale showed high internal consistency with minor changes when dropping one item from the scale each time. Convergent reliability and discriminant validity were established. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a very good fit of a three-factor model compared to a zero- and higher-order model. No significant difference was observed to report invariant groups in measurement invariance analysis. ConclusionsOur study is the first to measure perceived social support among mothers of children with DD in Saudi Arabia, as well as to validate an Arabic version of the MSPSS in this context. Our Arabic translation of the MSPSS is reliable and valid for researchers and clinicians to use when working with this population. We recommend adopting the MSPSS for measuring perceived social support by a zero-order or higher-order three-factor model.