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Duke-University of North Carolina (UNC) Functional Social Support Questionnaire
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About Duke-University of North Carolina (UNC) Functional Social Support Questionnaire
Scale Name
Duke-University of North Carolina (UNC) Functional Social Support Questionnaire
Author Details
W.E. Broadhead
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire (DUFSS), developed by W.E. Broadhead in 1988, is an 8-item self-administered scale designed to measure satisfaction with the functional and affective aspects of social support in family practice settings and health research. Published in Medical Care (1988), it identifies individuals at risk of social isolation and examines social support’s role in health outcomes. The DUFSS focuses on qualitative aspects of support, emphasizing confidant support (relationships for discussing important concerns, 5 items) and affective support (emotional caring, 3 items), after excluding unreliable items on quantity and instrumental support. It is based on evidence that quality of social relationships predicts health better than quantity.
Each item is rated on a 5-point scale (1 = much less than I would like, 5 = as much as I would like), with a total score (sum of all items, 8–40) and subscale scores for confidant and affective support. Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction. The DUFSS was validated with 401 family practice patients (mean age ≈ 30–65 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based), showing low correlations with physical function (r = 0.08–0.17) and moderate correlations with emotional function (r = 0.34–0.41). It is used in clinical psychology, primary care, and public health to assess social support’s impact on health and guide interventions. Access requires permission from Medical Care or Duke University.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the DUFSS from Broadhead et al. (1988) or authorized sources (e.g., Medical Care), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults 18+ in family practice or general population) that the questionnaire assesses satisfaction with social support, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 8-item scale via self-report in clinical or research settings, asking about current satisfaction with support.
- Estimated completion time is 3–5 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health or social support resources (e.g., counseling services) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., large print, oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The DUFSS demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties (Broadhead et al., 1988). Two-week test-retest reliability ranges from r = 0.50–0.77 per item (N not specified). Average item-total correlations are 0.62 (confidant support) and 0.64 (affective support). Internal consistency is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.70–0.80) based on subscale structure. Convergent validity is supported by correlations with emotional function (r = 0.34–0.41, N = 401) and higher office visit rates among those with low support (N not specified).
Discriminant validity is evidenced by low correlations with physical function (r = 0.08–0.17), symptom status (r = 0.18–0.30), and social functioning from the Duke Health Profile (r = 0.15–0.17). Factor analysis confirms two factors (confidant and affective support, loadings = 0.52–0.72). Construct validity is shown by stronger associations with office visit duration for low confidant support compared to structural support measures. Pairing with the MOS Social Support Survey or Social Support Questionnaire enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
08-Items
Reference
Broadhead, W. E., Gehlbach, S. H., De Gruy, F. V., & Kaplan, B. H. (1988). The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire: Measurement of social support in family medicine patients. Medical care, 709-723.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire measure?
It measures satisfaction with confidant and affective social support in family practice settings.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) in family practice or general population for health research.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 3–5 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies social isolation risk to guide primary care and mental health interventions.
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