A Study on the Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support in Bangalore

Description

Page: 210-214

Venkata Tejo Prasanna N. and Monalisa Nayak (Department of Psychology, School of Liberal Studies, CMR University, Bengaluru, Karnataka)

Social support plays a crucial role in an individual’s psychological well-being and resilience, particularly in urban contexts like Bangalore. The Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is widely used to assess perceived social support, but its psychometric properties have not been extensively validated in the Bangalore context. This study aims to validate the usage of MSPSS in Bangalore using random sampling techniques. A sample of 240 participants from diverse educational and socio-demographic backgrounds responded to the questionnaire. The psychometric properties including reliability and validity were examined using standard statistical techniques with the help of SPSS and Amos software. Results indicated strong internal consistency with a Cronbach alpha value of 0.92 and its subscales, Family Support, Friends Support, and Significant Other Support with values of 0.90, 0.93 and 0.97 respectively. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor structure of the original MSPSS. The findings provide good evidence for the reliability and validity of the MSPSS in assessing perceived social support among individuals in Bangalore. Further research may take up exploring the applicability of MSPSS across different cultural and linguistic groups within Bangalore and investigate its utility in informing interventions aimed at strengthening social support networks and promoting well-being.