Validation of the Arabic Translation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Arabic-MSPSS) in a Lebanese Community Sample
Author: Merhi, R., & Kazarian, S. S.
Source:
Arab Journal of Psychiatry 23, no. 2 (2012): 159-168.
objective: The aim of this study is to report on the Arabic translation of the 12-item Multidimensional Scale of
Perceived Social Support (Arabic-MSPSS) and its reliability and validity when administered to a community
sample of Lebanese adults. Method: A total of 221 participants completed the Arabic translation of the MSPSS, the
Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Arabic-ERQ), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Arabic-SWLS). The factor
structure, internal consistency and correlation of the Arabic MSPSS with sociodemographic factors, emotion regulation and
subjective well-being were evaluated. Results: Three factors (Family, Friends, and Significant Other) with high reliabilities
were obtained. MSPSS scores were associated with sex and religion but not age, marital status, education or income. Social
support scores were independent of ERQ emotional suppression scores but correlated with ERQ cognitive reappraisal
scores (r=.17 for global social support, r=.17 for Family support, and r=.20 for Significant Other support), as well as
subjective wellbeing scores (r=.33 for global social support, r=.32 for Family social support, and r=.29 for Significant Other
support). Conclusion: The Arabic translation of the MSPSS is a reliable and culturally valid measure of social support in
the Lebanese context