Table 4 Perceived social support and association with psychological distress

There is a special person who is around when I am in need

4.89 (2.11)

5.93 (1.41)

<0.001

There is a special person with whom I can share my joys and sorrows

5.05 (2.11)

6.00 (1.37)

<0.001

I have a special person who is a real source of comfort to me

5.11 (2.11)

5.95 (1.44)

<0.001

There is a special person in my life who cares about my feelings

4.72 (2.27)

5.84 (1.58)

<0.001

Score on Significant Other subscale

19.77 ( 7.56)

23.72 ( 5.12)

<0.001

My family really tries to help me

4.80 (2.25)

6.01 (1.32)

<0.001

I get the emotional help and support I need from my family

4.92 (2.15)

6.06 (1.25)

<0.001

I can talk about my problems with my family

4.74 (2.28)

6.01 (1.38)

<0.001

My family is willing to help me make decisions

4.89 (2.19)

6.00 (1.39)

<0.001

Score on Family subscale

19.35 ( 8.22)

24.09 ( 4.78)

<0.001

My friends really try to help me

3.61 (2.10)

4.43 (1.89)

<0.001

I can count on my friend when things go wrong

3.20 (1.85)

4.04 (1.88)

<0.001

I have friends with whom I can share my joys and sorrows

3.58 (1.95)

4.25 (1.92)

0.002

I can talk about my problems with my friends

3.62 (1.96)

4.25 (1.93)

0.005

Score on Friends subscale

14.02 ( 6.92)

16.95 ( 7.04)

<0.001

MSPSS^a total score

53.14 (18.17)

64.76 (12.24)

<0.001