Validation of the Arabic Translation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support(Arabic-MSPSS) in a Lebanese Community Sample

Objective: The aim of this study is to report on the Arabic translation of the 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Arabic-MSPSS) and its reliability and validity when administered to a community sample of Lebanese adults. Method: A total of 221 participants completed the Arabic translation of the MSPSS, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Arabic-ERQ), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Arabic-SWLS). The factor structure, internal consistency and correlation of the Arabic MSPSS with sociodemographic factors, emotion regulation and subjective well-being were evaluated. Results: Three factors (Family, Friends, and Significant Other) with high reliabilities were obtained. MSPSS scores were associated with sex and religion but not age, marital status, education or income. Social support scores were independent of ERQ emotional suppression scores but correlated with ERQ cognitive reappraisal scores (r=.17 for global social support, r=.17 for Family support, and r=.20 for Significant Other support), as well as subjective wellbeing scores (r=.33 for global social support, r=.32 for Family social support, and r=.29 for Significant Other support). Conclusion: The Arabic translation of the MSPSS is a reliable and culturally valid measure of social support in the Lebanese context.