Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support

What it measures

Measures perceived adequacy of social support from three sources: family, friends, and a significant other. Captures the subjective sense of being supported rather than the objective quantity of social contacts. Widely used in health psychology, clinical, and cross-cultural research.

Response format

Likert (1–7, very strongly disagree to very strongly agree)

Representative items

• My family really tries to help me. (Family)
• I get the emotional help and support I need from my family. (Family)
• My friends really try to help me. (Friends)
• I can count on my friends when things go wrong. (Friends)
• There is a special person who is around when I am in need. (Significant Other)

Usage notes & scoring

Three subscale scores and a total score. Higher = more perceived support. Freely available; in public domain. Widely used as a moderator in stress-buffering research and as a predictor of mental health outcomes. Validated in clinical and community samples across 40+ countries.

Recommended companion scales

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.

Keywords