A network cross-cultural validation of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australian adults

This study aimed to assess cross-cultural measurement invariance of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australian adults, focusing on its applicability in diverse cultural contexts. We analysed 24-month follow-up data from a longitudinal cohort study on oral HPV infection and oropharyngeal cancer (HPVOPC) with 729 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and baseline data from the Dental Care and Oral Health Study (DCOHS), encompassing 4,086 non-Indigenous South Australians. Using network analysis and permutation testing, we examined configural and metric invariance. The MSPSS maintained its three-dimensional structure in both cultural groups (configural invariance). However, three items showed weaker loadings in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network models compared to models for non-Indigenous participants. These differences had minimal impact on total scores, but may affect sub-scale comparisons. The MSPSS demonstrates robust psychometric properties for cross-cultural research on social support among both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. While partial invariance suggests the need for caution in interpreting sub-scale scores, the MSPSS provides valuable insights into social support dimensions across populations. Perceived social support is vital for mental and physical health, especially in culturally diverse populations like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is validated in various cultural settings, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.The MSPSS has not been cross-culturally validated between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous adults, raising concerns about its broader applicability. Perceived social support is vital for mental and physical health, especially in culturally diverse populations like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) is validated in various cultural settings, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. The MSPSS has not been cross-culturally validated between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous adults, raising concerns about its broader applicability. This study validates the MSPSS’s cross-cultural measurement invariance for total scores, supporting its use for comparing social support perceptions.Findings highlight cultural differences in how certain items are interpreted, reflecting unique patterns of social support.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants were less likely to select “strongly agree”, potentially reflecting cultural differences in interpretation or experiences. This study validates the MSPSS’s cross-cultural measurement invariance for total scores, supporting its use for comparing social support perceptions. Findings highlight cultural differences in how certain items are interpreted, reflecting unique patterns of social support. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants were less likely to select “strongly agree”, potentially reflecting cultural differences in interpretation or experiences.