Analysis

The analysis of the Social Support Measure (SSM) includes the evaluation of the tool’s psychometric reliability and validity. Internal consistency of the items, usually measured through Cronbach’s alpha, is an important criterion for the tool’s reliability. Test-retest reliability examines the stability of responses over time. In addition, convergent and divergent validity is assessed through comparisons with other similar measures of social support, while factor analyses help confirm the structure of the tool.

Objective

The objective of the SSM is to provide a reliable and valid means of assessing the social support individuals receive. It is widely used in research to understand the impact of social support on mental and physical health, as well as in clinical practice to assess individuals’ support needs and to develop interventions aimed at improving social interaction and well-being.

Calibration

The calibration of the SSM is carried out using a Likert scale, where responses range from 1 (never) to 5 (always), depending on the frequency and intensity of support individuals receive. Total scores are calculated by summing the individual scores of the questions for each dimension of social support. Higher scores indicate greater perceived support.

References

The literature on the SSM includes studies that document the development and validation of the tool. One of the foundational studies is by Sarason, Levine, Basham, and Sarason (1983), published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. This study provides a detailed description of the development of the SSM, its reliability and validity evaluation, as well as its application across various populations and settings. In addition, the work of Cohen and Wills (1985) examines the theoretical basis of social support and its effects on health, supporting the usefulness of the SSM in research and clinical practice.