Modification and validation of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support for Chinese school teachers

• Main Authors: Sammy K. Ho, Edmund S. Chan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2017-01-01
• Series: Cogent Education
• Subjects: multidimensional scale of perceived social support; conservation of resources model; burnout; chinese school teachers; confirmatory factor analysis
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2016.1277824

This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the revised multidimensional scale of perceived social support (R-MSPSS) for Chinese school teachers. A questionnaire comprising the R-MSPSS and other psychological measures was administered to a sample of 539 school teachers in Hong Kong. A series of confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the construct validity of the Scale. The results indicated a moderate fit of the proposed model with improved fit after covariance of error terms were added. Convergent and discriminant validity of the Scale were assessed by associations with self-esteem and burnout symptoms. The results of most correlations were statistically significant and in predicted directions, which will provide a fertile ground in supporting the use of the R-MSPSS for measuring social support for Hong Kong teachers. Further modifications in differentiating those items for measuring perceived social support from school principal and colleagues are suggested.