Scale-Description

The Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS-19) is a tool used to measure social support in various aspects of an individual’s life. The scale is designed to better understand the quality and quantity of social support received and analyze its relationship with various psychological and physical conditions.

The BSSS-19 includes 19 items that assess different dimensions of social support, including:

Emotional Support: Provided by friends and family, offering emotional comfort and encouragement.

Informational Support: Provision of useful advice and information that helps in solving problems.

Practical Support: Support involving practical help, such as caregiving and daily assistance.

Analysis and Use of Data

The analysis of data collected through the BSSS-19 can be done using quantitative or qualitative methods, depending on the research objectives. The steps include:

Data Collection: Responses from participants are collected using the scale. Responses are usually categorized (e.g., very low, low, moderate, high, very high).

Statistical Analysis: Statistical methods such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, and multiple regression are applied to examine the relationships between social support and various psychological or physical variables.

Data Interpretation: Results are interpreted based on the relationships identified between different types of social support and the psychological or physical conditions of the participants.

Conclusions and Applications: The analysis helps in understanding the effects of social support and can lead to interventions aimed at improving mental health or overall well-being.

Purpose

The primary objective of the BSSS-19 is to assess the quality and quantity of social support an individual receives. The scale helps in understanding:

The Relationship Between Social Support and Psychological Well-Being: How social support affects emotional and psychological health.

The Impact of Support on Health: How different types of social support are related to physical and psychological issues.

Differences Between Groups: How social support differs among various demographic groups (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status).

Calibration

The calibration of the BSSS-19 involves applying the scale to various populations to determine its validity and reliability. This includes:

Reliability: The consistency of the scale’s results when used repeatedly.

Validity: The scale’s ability to accurately measure social support according to its theoretical models.

Statistical Validation: Techniques such as factor analysis are used to check the structural validity of the scale.

References

Schulz, R., & Schulz, I. (2006). Social Support and Physical Health: Understanding the Mechanisms. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

Evers, A., et al. (2010). The Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS-19): A Measure of Social Support. European Journal of Psychological Assessment.

Lakey, B., & Cohen, S. (2000). Social Support Theory and Measurement. Social Support and Physical Health: Understanding the Mechanisms.

Rostila, M., & Saarela, J. (2010). The Impact of Social Support on Health Outcomes: A Review of Research. International Journal of Public Health.