Psychometric Properties of the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support among Thai Youth

Abstract

Objective: To test psychometric properties of the Thai version of the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (12-Item MSPSS) and compare findings across two samples: high school students and university students in Thailand. Method: In this methodological research, participants were recruited from two settings, namely three high schools and a public university. They were excluded if they had chronic medical illness and/or mental disorders requiring hospitalization. Participants were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, including the MSPSS. Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) to explore the construct validity of the scale. Reliability analyses were also carried out to test internal consistency reliability. Results: The two samples were 624 and 966 secondary school and undergraduate students, respectively. For all two samples, the MSPSS contained three distinct factors. Questionnaire items retained for each factor were also similar across two samples. All two samples had acceptable fit indices and all factor loadings achieved statistical significance. Internal consistency reliability was also acceptable for the two samples. Conclusion: Acceptable and sound psychometric properties of the Thai version MSPSS were found in Thai adolescent population, both in high school and university. Future research could aim to the scale in other Thai populations. Keywords: Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, construct validity, adolescents, Thai