Validation of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) for family caregivers of people with dementia

Background and objectives The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is a measure of perceived adequacy of social support. Whilst this is an important area of research for family caregivers of people with dementia, it is not clear whether the MSPSS retains its psychometric properties when used with this population. The aim was to conduct an in-depth psychometric analysis of the MSPSS to ensure that it remains a psychometrically robust measure for this population. Research design and methods Participants completed measures online using a self-complete procedure. A subsample completed the MSPSS twice, within a 4-week period. Properties assessed were internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, test-retest reliability, convergent validity and factor structure. Results 270 participants completed the study and 58 comprised the test-retest sample. Internal consistency was excellent for the total score (alpha = 0.92) and three subscales (alpha = 0.92-0.94). Significant correlations were observed in the expected directions with depression (r = -.48, p < .001) and mental (r = 0.32, p<.001) and physical (r = 0.17, p=.003) health-related quality of life. Test re-test reliability was excellent for the total score (ICC = 0.90 95%CI = 0.84, 0.94) and subscale scores (ICC = 0.84-0.89). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable fit indices for the three-factor solution. Discussion and implications The MSPSS has robust psychometric properties when used with caregivers of people with dementia and may be recommended for use with this population. Further research is required to establish responsiveness and determine cross-cultural validity.