Psychometric Validation of the PROMIS Social Support Scale in a Sample of Individuals With Chronic Health Conditions and Disabilities: A Factor Analytic Study

Social support is a significant protective factor for health and well-being of people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. It is important to include a psychometrically sound measure of social support in their clinical assessment practices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to validate the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Social Support Scale in a sample of people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to examine and validate the three-factor measurement structure of the PROMIS Social Support Scale. Exploratory factor analysis and CFA results confirmed that a three-factor measurement structure (instrumental, informational, and emotional support) accounted for 82.75% of the total variance. All items loaded highly onto their respective factors (ranging from .73 to .99). Reliability coefficients of the three subscales ranged from .95 to .97. The three social support factors were positively associated with community participation and subjective well-being in the theoretically expected directions. Findings of this study provide strong empirical support for the psychometric properties of the PROMIS Social Support Scale and its use with people with chronic health conditions and disabilities in clinical practice and research.

Automated summary

Social support is crucial for the well-being of individuals with chronic health conditions and disabilities. This study validates the use of the PROMIS Social Support Scale as a reliable measure in assessing social support among this population. The findings support the three-factor measurement structure of instrumental, informational, and emotional support, and highlight the positive associations between social support, community participation, and subjective well-being.