Tests of Revisions to the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire

To compare the accuracy of averaged scores from the original Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ)and averaged scores from each of three new NSSQ versions (NSSQ-R.aid, NSSQ-R.n/a, and NSSQ-R.format). These three new versions of the widely used NSSQ were developed to address three previously identified concerns regarding score accuracy: the Aid subscale's examples of aid, lack of an n/a response option, and the network nomination/rating procedure. Missing data rates were also assessed.

A convenience sample (N = 223) completed one of the four NSSQ versions. Score accuracy (restriction) was assessed by size of correlation between averaged scores (averaged score/network size) and network size, with low correlations indicating less score restriction and higher score accuracy. Fisher's r-to-z transformations assessed the significance of the difference between all correlations from the three versions. Missing data rates were assessed using chi-square tests of independence.

The cumulative effects of removing the aid examples and use of the n/a response option improved score accuracy; averaged Aid scores from the NSSQ-R.n/a were statistically significantly less restricted than corresponding scores on the original NSSQ. The final version (NSSQ-R.format) actually resulted in statistically significant decreased score accuracy for averaged Affect scores. There were no statistically significant differences in missing data rates among versions.

Averaged scores from the NSSQ-R.n/a should be used. Future research should focus on the use of situation-specific Aid items.