Prior research has demonstrated the utility of the Multidimensional Sc
ale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Network Orientation Sc
ale (NOS) as measures of perceived social support among nonpsychiatric
samples. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether
these two scales can be used reliably among psychiatric outpatients,
in particular those with schizophrenia or a major affective disorder.
Subjects were 144 outpatients, aged 21 to 67 years, who completed the
MSPSS and NOS. Results demonstrated high internal consistency for the
MSPSS and adequate internal consistency for the NOS. In addition, conv
ergent validity was demonstrated. Scores on both scales for these psyc
hiatric outpatients were found to be lower as compared to ''normals.''