Pain Catastrophizing Scale
| Pain Catastrophizing Scale | |
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| Purpose | Measure of catastrophic thinking related to pain |
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| ICD-10-PCS | |
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The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is a psychological assessment tool used to measure the extent of catastrophic thinking in individuals experiencing pain. Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion involving an irrational thought process where an individual believes something is far worse than it actually is. This scale is widely used in both clinical and research settings to assess how individuals perceive and cope with pain.
Development[edit | edit source]
The PCS was developed by Michael J. L. Sullivan and his colleagues in 1995. It was designed to assess three components of catastrophizing: rumination, magnification, and helplessness. The scale consists of 13 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (all the time).
Components[edit | edit source]
The PCS is divided into three subscales:
- Rumination: This subscale measures the extent to which individuals focus on their pain and cannot stop thinking about it.
- Magnification: This subscale assesses the extent to which individuals exaggerate the threat value of pain stimuli.
- Helplessness: This subscale evaluates the extent to which individuals feel unable to manage their pain.
Scoring[edit | edit source]
The total score on the PCS is the sum of the scores for all 13 items, with higher scores indicating greater levels of catastrophizing. The scale can be used to identify individuals who may benefit from cognitive-behavioral interventions aimed at reducing catastrophic thinking.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
High levels of pain catastrophizing have been associated with increased pain intensity, emotional distress, and disability. It is considered a significant predictor of poor pain outcomes and can influence the effectiveness of pain management strategies. The PCS is often used to tailor interventions that address cognitive distortions and improve coping strategies in individuals with chronic pain.
Research Applications[edit | edit source]
The PCS is frequently used in research to explore the psychological factors that contribute to pain perception and management. It has been translated into multiple languages and validated in diverse populations, making it a valuable tool for cross-cultural studies on pain.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- Sullivan, M. J. L., Bishop, S. R., & Pivik, J. (1995). The Pain Catastrophizing Scale: Development and validation. Psychological Assessment, 7(4), 524-532.
External Links[edit | edit source]
- [Pain Catastrophizing Scale on WikMD](https://www.wikimd.com/wiki/Pain_Catastrophizing_Scale)
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