Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support – Brief

MSPSS-4Social

4 items

A 4-item adapted version of the MSPSS assessing perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others. Suitable for use in diary and EMA protocols.

Scoring

Mean of all items (1–7). Higher scores = greater perceived social support.

Citation

Zimet, G. D., Dahlem, N. W., Zimet, S. G., & Farley, G. K. (1988). The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Journal of Personality Assessment, 52(1), 30–41.

doi:10.1207/s15327752jpa5201_2

License: Free for research use.

Items (4)

Significant Other

#1likertSignificant Other

There is a special person who is around when I am in need.

1–7 · "Very strongly disagree" → "Very strongly agree"

Family

#2likertFamily

My family really tries to help me.

1–7 · "Very strongly disagree" → "Very strongly agree"

Friends

#3likertFriends

I can count on my friends when things go wrong.

1–7 · "Very strongly disagree" → "Very strongly agree"

#4likertFriends

I can talk about my problems with my friends.

1–7 · "Very strongly disagree" → "Very strongly agree"

Use this scale in your own ESM/EMA study — embed it as a survey within SMAAT.