Jordanian Version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support for Secondary School Students: Psychometric Properties and Norms

Abstract

This study aimsed at developing a Jordanian version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support for secondary school students )MSPSSSSS(, examining the psychometric properties, and developing Jordanian norms, based on Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support )MSPSS( developed by )Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet & Farley, 1988(. Items measuring social support from significant others were omitted and items measuring support from teachers were added to suit the characteristics of the Arabic culture and the target population. The final version of the scale consisted of 12 items. The sample consisted of 558 high school students. The result of the validity showed that the scale had content validity indicators for its development and translation. Based on several goodnessof- fit indicators, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported the threefactor model of MSPSS-SSS. The significant positive correlation between MSPSS-SSS sub-scales and social support scale standardized for the Arab environment, and MSPSS-SSS negative correlation with depression and anxiety support concurrent validity. Discriminant validity was supported by discriminating between the two different groups: the depressed and nondepressed individuals. Internal consistency coefficients and Test-Retest reliability for the three subscales were good. Percentile rank, Z-score and T-score were calculated.