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Confirmatory factor analysis of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List
1Psychology Department, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio 45501.
American Journal of Community Psychology
|February 1, 1988
Summary
The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) measures social support resources. While a four-factor model fits, a general social support factor is also indicated, suggesting analysis of both subscale and total scores.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) was developed to assess perceived social support.
- Its utility relies on measuring distinct functional support dimensions for stress-buffering hypothesis testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the factor structure of the ISEL.
- To determine if the ISEL measures distinct social support dimensions.
- To provide evidence for the valid use of the ISEL in research.
Main Methods:
- Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on ISEL data from 133 college students.
- The study examined a four-factor model representing distinct social support resources.
Main Results:
- A four-factor model showed a reasonable fit to the data.
- High correlations among the four factors suggested a general, second-order social support factor.
- Analyzing the ISEL as a unidimensional measure risks losing unique subscale information.
Conclusions:
- The ISEL may capture both distinct social support dimensions and an overall social support construct.
- Researchers should analyze both ISEL subscale scores and the total score for comprehensive insights.
- This approach preserves unique information while acknowledging the general social support factor.