Validation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in pregnant women in Peru

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2096

Keywords:

social support, social network, health surveys, validation study, psychometrics

Abstract

Introduction: The MSPSS, is a tool continuously validated in diverse populations; however, studies on its metric properties in pregnant women are limited. The aim of the study was to validate the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in pregnant women in Peru. Methodology: Instrumental research in 298 participants. The MSPSS was translated and subjected to content validation, evaluation of its metric properties and reliability. Results: A version of 12 items distributed in three factors was confirmed, explaining 76.15% of the variance. The model fit indices [χ²/gl = 1.00; RMSEA = 0.003] and internal consistency were excellent, as were the discriminative, correlation and tautological validity. Convergent validity showed a significant relationship between perceived social support and self-efficacy for vaginal delivery. Discussion: The MSPSS exhibits a robust trifactorial structure with high factor loadings and reliability for assessing perceived social support. Conclusions: The Peruvian version of the MSPSS is valid and reliable for use in pregnant women. It is suggested for use in research and validation studies.

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Author Biographies

Bladimir Becerra-Canales, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga National University

Doctor of Public Health. Level III Researcher in the National Registry of Science and Technology (RENACYT). Member of the Expert Committee of the Oral Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health of Peru. Professor at the Graduate School and Faculty of Dentistry of the National University of San Luis Gonzaga.

Dany Margot Mejía-Gamboa, Universidad Autónoma de Ica

Doctor of Educational and Tutorial Psychology from Enrique Guzmán y Valle University. Master of Educational Management from Enrique Guzmán y Valle University. Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in Primary Education, from the University of Huancavelica.

Silvia Karina García-Pisconte, Universidad Autónoma de Ica

Doctor of Public Management and Governance from César Vallejo University. Master's degree in Education with a specialization in Creativity Education from the Enrique José Varona University of Pedagogical Sciences, Cuba. Second specialization in Educational Research and Management from the National University of Tumbes. Second professional specialization in Information and Communication Technologies from the National University of Huancavelica.

Danis Massiel Ventura-Fernández, Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga

Master in Dentistry. Dental Surgeon for the Ministry of Health. Professor at the pre-university and undergraduate centers of the National University of San Luis Gonzaga of Ica.

Patricia Huarancca, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga National University

Doctor of Systems Engineering and undergraduate professor at the Faculty of Systems Engineering of the National University of San Luis Gonzaga of Ica

Julia Luzmila Reyes-Ruiz, Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga

Master in Dentistry, Level VII Researcher in the National Registry of Science and Technology (RENACYT). Professor at the postgraduate school of dentistry and pharmacy and at the undergraduate level of the Faculty of Dentistry at the National University of San Luis Gonzaga of Ica. Undergraduate research professor at the Faculty of Psychology of the Autonomous University of Ica.

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Published

2025-11-28

How to Cite

Becerra-Canales, B., Mejía-Gamboa, D. M., García-Pisconte, S. K., Ventura-Fernández, D. M., Huarancca, P., & Reyes-Ruiz, J. L. (2025). Validation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in pregnant women in Peru. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 11, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2096

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