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Psychometric Properties of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support among Ghanaian Adolescents

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Abstract

Despite the documented number of scales in international literature measuring perceived social support, none of these have been validated in the Ghanaian context. In this paper, we investigated psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in school-going adolescents in the Northern region of Ghana. In determining the factorial validity, a confirmatory factor analysis yielded a 3-factor structure (Family, Friends and Significant Others) in two independent samples, corresponding to the original factor structure of the MSPSS. The MSPSS demonstrated good internal consistency and correlated negatively with depression. Moreover, support for convergent validity was determined by evaluating the correlation between perceived family and friends support and satisfaction with family and friends measure. Similarly, univariate testing indicated that there were significant gender differences for the subscales of both family and friends, with males showing higher perceptions of support in these two domains. The findings on the psychometric properties of the MSPSS indicates that this instrument is valid tool for measuring perceptions of support in the Ghanaian context.

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Acknowledgment

We like to thank the Graduate School of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, for funding the first author’s doctoral studies from which this manuscript emerged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, 7602, Matieland, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Republic of South Africa

    Angelina Wilson, Joana Salifu Yendork & Nceba Z. Somhlaba

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

    Joana Salifu Yendork

Authors
  1. Angelina Wilson
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  2. Joana Salifu Yendork
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  3. Nceba Z. Somhlaba
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Angelina Wilson.

Appendix A: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support

Appendix A: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support

Instructions: We are interested in how you feel about the following statements. Read each statement carefully. Indicate how you feel about each statement.

Circle the “1” if you Very Strongly Disagree

Circle the “2” if you Strongly Disagree

Circle the “3” if you Mildly Disagree

Circle the “4” if you are Neutral

Circle the “5” if you Mildly Agree

Circle the “6” if you Strongly Agree

Circle the “7” if you Very Strongly Agree

Items

Responses

1. There is a special person who

is around when I am in need.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2. There is a special person with

whom I can share joys and sorrows

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

3. My family really tries to help me.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

4. I get the emotional help & support

I need from my family.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

5. I have a special person who is

a real source of comfort to me.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

6. My friends really try to help me.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

7. I can count on my friends when

things go wrong

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8. I can talk about my problems with

my family.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9. I have friends with whom I can

share my joys and sorrows.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

10. There is a special person in my

life who cares about my feelings

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

11. My family is willing to help me

make decisions

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

12. I can talk about my problems with

my friends

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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Wilson, A., Yendork, J.S. & Somhlaba, N.Z. Psychometric Properties of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support among Ghanaian Adolescents. Child Ind Res 10, 101–115 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-016-9367-1

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