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The psychometric properties of the SSL12-I, a short scale for measuring social support in the elderly

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Abstract

In this paper the psychometric properties of the SSL12-I, a short measure to assess the level of social support, are presented. The SSL12-I consists of 12 items, divided into three subscales with four items each: everyday support, social support in problem situations, and esteem support. The results show that a three-factor solution, as initially found in two pilot studies, is found again in an extensive community based elderly sample. The conclusion is that the psychometric properties of the SSL12-I are satisfactory, and that this relatively short instrument is especially useful when a rough indication of the amount of received social support is required.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northern Centre for Health Care, University of Groningen, 9713 Av, Groningen, The Netherlands

    G. I. J. M. Kempen & L. M. Van Eijk

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  1. G. I. J. M. Kempen
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  2. L. M. Van Eijk
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Kempen, G.I.J.M., Van Eijk, L.M. The psychometric properties of the SSL12-I, a short scale for measuring social support in the elderly. Soc Indic Res 35, 303–312 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01079163

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