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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 22, 2026

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test

Published on: November 19, 2015

The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support: a confirmation study.

N W Dahlem¹, G D Zimet, R R Walker

¹University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

Journal of Clinical Psychology

|November 1, 1991

Summary

This study validated the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in urban college students. Findings show social support buffers stress, reducing depression, supporting the buffering hypothesis.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Social Psychology
Health Psychology

Background:

Perceived social support is crucial for mental well-being.
The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is a widely used measure.
Understanding its psychometric properties in diverse populations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the MSPSS.
To examine internal reliability and factorial validity.
To investigate the buffering effect of social support on stress and depression.

Main Methods:

The study involved 154 diverse students at an urban college.
Psychometric properties including internal reliability and factorial validity were assessed.
The moderating effect of social support between stressful life events and depression was analyzed.

Main Results:

The MSPSS demonstrated good internal reliability.
Factor analysis confirmed the three-factor structure: family, friends, and significant other.
Social support moderated the relationship between life stress and depression, supporting the buffering hypothesis.

Conclusions:

The MSPSS is a reliable and valid measure for assessing perceived social support in urban college students.
Social support acts as a buffer against the negative effects of stress on depression.
These findings support the buffering hypothesis in this population.