Development of a social support instrument for use in population surveys

摘要: A wide variety of measures have been used to assess the effects social support on physical and psychological well-being. Many instruments incomplete information about reliability validity. Other appear be reasonably valid, but involve a large number questions are therefore not suitable in population surveys. The main purpose study was examine whether psychometrically well documented, time consuming instrument. Interview Schedule for Social Interaction, could abbreviated simplified use By means both item content analyses original instrument shortened versions were tested group 83 middle-aged Swedish men. distribution scale scores similar complete version so reliability, measured as internal consistency split-half reliability. Validity examined by comparing two relation other integration, personality behaviour characteristics. Men with low less socially physically active, more depressed trustful than men high support. who scored also often smokers, lower class, occupational level education had complaints ill health, mainly cardiovascular nature. discriminative capacity good version. Thus no obvious disadvantages terms validity demonstrated