Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [MSPSS-12]

Description

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS-12) is a brief and widely used psychometric instrument designed to assess an individual’s perceived level of social support. It examines support from three primary sources: family, friends, and significant others. The scale consists of 12 items, equally distributed across three subscales, with four items assigned to each source of support.

The MSPSS focuses on the individual’s subjective perception of available support rather than simply measuring the number or frequency of social contacts.

Purpose

The main purpose of the MSPSS-12 is to assess the extent to which individuals feel supported by different parts of their social network. By distinguishing among support from family, friends, and significant others, the scale provides a multidimensional picture of perceived social resources.

The instrument can contribute to the study of psychological well-being, mental health, adjustment to stressful life situations, and overall quality of life.

Structure and Scoring

The MSPSS-12 contains 12 items, rated on a seven-point Likert scale:

1 = Very Strongly Disagree
2 = Strongly Disagree
3 = Mildly Disagree
4 = Neutral
5 = Mildly Agree
6 = Strongly Agree
7 = Very Strongly Agree

Scores can be calculated for each of the three subscales as well as for overall perceived social support. Higher scores indicate higher levels of perceived social support.

Applications

The MSPSS-12 can be used in clinical, social, educational, and research settings, particularly in studies focusing on social support, psychological adjustment, stress, well-being, and quality of life. Its brief format and clear multidimensional structure make it especially suitable for inclusion in broader research protocols.

References

Zimet, G. D., Dahlem, N. W., Zimet, S. G., & Farley, G. K. (1988). The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Journal of Personality Assessment, 52(1), 30–41.

Edwards, L. M. (2004). Measuring perceived social support in Mexican American youth: Psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 26(2), 187–194.