Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Among Resettled Burmese in the United States

Abstract

Social support plays an essential role in refugees’ mental health and well-being. To assess how people appraise their sources of support, one needs to have an appropriate valid and reliable measure. This study examines the psychometric properties of the Chin-Burmese version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS-CB) among 242 resettled Burmese refugees. Participants completed the MSPSS-CB and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Exploratory factor analysis found a three-factor solution that supported the theoretical dimensions of the original MSPSS: friends (FR), family (FAM) and significant others (SO) subscales, accounting for 82.15 per cent of the total variance. The Cronbach’s α was 0.96, 0.94 and 0.96 for the FR, FAM and SO, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis found moderate goodness of fit of the data. Investigation of the fit indices revealed that the three-factor solution was adequate (χ2 = 73.65, df 51, p < 0.05); Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.952; Normed Fit Index = 0.977; Comparative Fit Index = 0.993 and root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.043. There were negative correlations between the FR, FAM and SO subscales and the K10. The current study's findings indicate that the MSPSS-CB is a reliable and valid instrument for use with the Chin-Burmese population and can provide helping professionals with a useful tool to measure and identify the source of social support.