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

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.