Validation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support on Nigerian Female Undergraduates

Abstract

Social support is a vital factor in promoting physical and psychological well-being. The cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to validate the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support on Nigerian Female Undergraduates using a sample of 450 Nigerian female undergraduates. Participants responded to the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (shortened version -12 item). The item-total statistics of the scale indicates that all items present good discrimination. Also, the scale's internal consistency among the Nigerian sample reveals positively significant reliability coefficients. Paired with ISEL-Short Form, MSPSS has good concurrent validity. The authors conclude that MSPSS has appropriate psychometric properties for assessing social support in Nigeria and similar cultural contexts.