Scale Description

The Sources of Social Support Scale (SSSS) is a psychometric tool designed to assess the sources of social support that an individual receives. This scale measures the individual’s perception of the support they receive from various sources, such as family, friends, colleagues, and other social contacts. This tool helps to understand the role of social support in mental and physical well-being.

Data Analysis and Use

The analysis of responses on the SSSS involves evaluating answers to a series of statements related to sources of social support. Responses are typically scored on a five-point Likert scale (from 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). These statements examine various aspects of social support from different sources, including:

  • Family: Support from parents, siblings, and other relatives.
  • Friends: Support from close friends and acquaintances.
  • Colleagues: Support from work associates and colleagues.
  • Community: Support from community members or social groups.

Objective

The goal of the SSSS is to provide a reliable and valid measurement of an individual’s perception of the social support they receive from various sources. This measurement can be used by researchers and clinical professionals to better understand the role of social support in mental health and well-being, as well as to develop interventions that enhance social support.

Calibration

Calibration of the SSSS involves calculating total scores for each source of support, as well as an overall social support score. These scores can be categorized to indicate levels of social support:

  • Low Social Support: Indicates that the individual perceives receiving little or no support from various sources.
  • Moderate Social Support: Indicates that the individual perceives receiving moderate support from various sources.
  • High Social Support: Indicates that the individual perceives receiving high support from various sources.

Bibliography

Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357.

Cutrona, C. E., & Russell, D. W. (1987). The provisions of social relationships and adaptation to stress. Advances in Personal Relationships, 1, 37-67.

Sarason, I. G., Levine, H. M., Basham, R. B., & Sarason, B. R. (1983). Assessing social support: The Social Support Questionnaire. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(1), 127-139.

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.