Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL)
Measuring perceived social support across 4 dimensions
Do you have people you can turn to when you need help? The ISEL assesses your perceived social support across 4 dimensions: Appraisal, Tangible, Self-esteem, and Belonging. 40 items, just a few minutes, with instant dimension-level scores.
What Is the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL)?
The ISEL measures how much social support you feel is available — whether there's someone to talk to, help out, or just be around. Cohen and Hoberman (1983) developed this 40-item scale covering four types of support.
Dimension Structure
The ISEL has 4 subscales, each with 10 items:
| Subscale | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Appraisal Support | Having someone to talk to and provide advice |
| Tangible Support | Availability of practical/material help |
| Self-esteem Support | Maintaining self-esteem through social comparison |
| Belonging Support | Having people to do things with / sense of belonging |
Scoring
Each item is rated on a 0-3 scale (0=Definitely False → 3=Definitely True), with reverse-scored items. Each subscale ranges 0-30, total score 0-120. Higher scores indicate greater perceived social support.
Reliability & Validity
Internal consistency: α = 0.70-0.90 per subscale. Test-retest: r = 0.70-0.85.
Important: The ISEL is a research instrument, not a clinical diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about your social support system, please consult a mental health professional.
Scoring Guide
ISEL total = sum of 4 subscales (0-30 each). Total 0-120. Reverse scoring pre-applied at option level. Higher = greater perceived social support.Result Interpretation
Finish the 40 questions and you get your results straight away — no account, no sign-up, no waiting.
We calculate your total from your answers, then give you a plain-language explanation of what the numbers mean. Whenever possible, we also show how your results compare to population norms.
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Get an in-depth analysis with dimension breakdowns, population comparisons, and actionable recommendations.