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Assessment of methods for measuring social support
1Arizona State University.
Summary
Social support significantly impacts well-being, but inconsistent findings arise from varied measurement tools. This review evaluates 23 assessment methods to guide researchers in selecting reliable and valid instruments for social support research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Extensive research links social support to physical and psychological health.
- Social support encompasses tangible (e.g., financial aid) and intangible (e.g., encouragement) elements.
- It plays a role in managing stress, illness recovery, and treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate 23 methods for assessing social support.
- To guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate measurement tools.
- To address inconsistencies in the literature stemming from measurement variability.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and evaluation of 23 social support assessment techniques.
- Assessment based on reliability (coefficients > .8) and validity documentation.
- Simulation of correlations to demonstrate the impact of low reliability measures.
- Analysis of reported reliability (internal consistency, test-retest) and validity data.
Main Results:
- Reliability data reported for 19 measures, with internal consistency ranging from .31 to .98 and test-retest from .22 to .96.
- Validity documentation available for 13 scales, but discriminant validity evidence is largely absent.
- Significant psychometric weaknesses and variability exist among available scales.
Conclusions:
- Despite limitations, researchers have multiple instruments for assessing social support.
- Careful selection of measurement tools is crucial to mitigate inconsistencies in findings.
- Further development and validation, particularly for discriminant validity, are needed.