Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to analyse the psychometric characteristics of the Italian version of the Pain Related Control Scale (PRCS) and of the Pain Related Self-Statement Scale (PRSS) (Turk and Flor, 1988). Both self-administered scales allow a better understanding of beliefs and thoughts connected with chronic pain: the PRCS is intended to assess the cognitive schemata of pain patients, whereas the PRSS analyses specific thoughts generated by patients in pain situations which can promote or hinder coping responses. The reliability and validity of these scales were determined in a group of 192 chronic pain subjects and 100 control subjects. The psychometric evaluation showed a satisfactory factor structure and satisfactory reliability for the PRSS, while the results of the PRCS were less consistent. In general, data of this preliminary study demonstrate that the scales are useful instruments for a multidimensional assessment of chronic pain.