Table 2 Illness-Related Social Support Scale (662 < n < 676)

Positive support (Cronbach’s α = .95)

1. Listens to you.^a

2. Does small favours for you^a, e.g. goes shopping or looks after the children.

4. Helps out in a crisis, even if they have to go out of their way.^a

5. Makes you feel you have something positive to contribute to others.^a

7. Gives you information or advice if you want it.^a

8. Is available for you whenever you need it.

11. Boosts your spirits.^a

14. Cheers or comforts you.^a

15. Gives you positive feedback about how you are coping.^a

18. Gives up some of their time and energy to help with something that needs to be done.^a

20. Tells you that you are a worthwhile person.^a

22. Helps you to explore alternatives.^a

23. Gives you the feeling that you are important to him/her.

25. Shares the upset with you.^a

26. Talks about important decisions with you.^a

Scale values

3. Seems to feel awkward when you talk about the disease with him/her.

6. Worries too much or is pessimistic towards your disease.

9. Becomes annoyed when you don’t accept their advice.^a

10. Plays down the impact of your disease.

12. Gives you the feeling that you are incapable of taking care of yourself.

17. Tries to change the way you are coping in a way you don’t like.^a

19. Gives you information or makes suggestions, that you find unhelpful or upsetting.^a

21. Expects more from you than you can handle.

24. Finds it hard to understand the way you feel.^a

Scale values