A Bifactor-ESEM Representation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support


Yılmaz Koğar E., Koğar H.

PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORTS, vol.0, no.0, pp.1-26, 2023 (SSCI)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 0 Issue: 0
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/00332941231206992
  • Journal Name: PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORTS
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Periodicals Index Online, AgeLine, ATLA Religion Database, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-26
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the factor structure of Turkish version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and to analyze its psychometric properties through the bifactor-ESEM framework. Using a convenience sample of 1124 Turkish adults, seven different models were tested. The results supported the superiority of a bifactor-ESEM solution that included three specific factors (family, friends, and significant others) and a general factor. In addition, bifactor indices showed that the general factor of MSPSS is not strong enough and its multidimensional structure is supported. For the bifactor-ESEM model, strict measurement invariance was achieved according to the gender variable. Our results supported convergent validity for the general and specific factors of the MSPSS, which were found to be associated with measures of distress, loneliness, and resilience. As a result, MSPSS is a valid and reliable measurement tool with its bifactor-ESEM model.

The aim of this study is to examine the factor structure of Turkish version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and to analyze its psychometric properties through the bifactor-ESEM framework. Using a convenience sample of 1124 Turkish adults, seven different models were tested. The results supported the superiority of a bifactor-ESEM solution that included three specific factors (family, friends, and significant others) and a general factor. In addition, bifactor indices showed that the general factor of MSPSS is not strong enough and its multidimensional structure is supported. For the bifactor-ESEM model, strict measurement invariance was achieved according to the gender variable. Our results supported convergent validity for the general and specific factors of the MSPSS, which were found to be associated with measures of distress, loneliness, and resilience. As a result, MSPSS is a valid and reliable measurement tool with its bifactor-ESEM model.