Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire
Abstract. Introduction:. Alexithymia is elevated in chronic pain and relates to poor pain-related outcomes. However, despite concerns from other clinical populations, the psychometric properties of alexithymia measures have not been rigorously established in chronic pain. Objective:. This study exam...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer
2025-02-01
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| Series: | PAIN Reports |
| Online Access: | http://journals.lww.com/painrpts/fulltext/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001204 |
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| author | Rachel V. Aaron David A. Preece Lauren C. Heathcote Stephen T. Wegener Claudia M. Campbell Chung Jung Mun |
| author_facet | Rachel V. Aaron David A. Preece Lauren C. Heathcote Stephen T. Wegener Claudia M. Campbell Chung Jung Mun |
| author_sort | Rachel V. Aaron |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract. Introduction:. Alexithymia is elevated in chronic pain and relates to poor pain-related outcomes. However, despite concerns from other clinical populations, the psychometric properties of alexithymia measures have not been rigorously established in chronic pain.
Objective:. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 Item (TAS-20) and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) in adults with chronic pain.
Methods:. An online sample of adults with chronic pain across the United States (N = 1453) completed the TAS-20, PAQ, and related questionnaires at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up.
Results:. Both measures showed good temporal stability, convergent validity (with emotion regulation scores), divergent validity (with depression and anxiety scores), and criterion validity. Some concerns were raised about the TAS-20: the original 3-factor structure showed a poor model fit; the Externally Oriented Thinking subscale of the TAS-20 had poor factor loadings and unacceptable internal consistency; and, we identified several TAS-20 items that may slightly inflate the predictive validity of the TAS-20 on pain-related outcomes. The original 5-factor structure of the PAQ showed a good fit; each PAQ subscale had good factor loadings and excellent internal consistency.
Conclusions:. Both the TAS-20 and PAQ had psychometric strengths. Our data raised some concern for the use of TAS-20 subscales; the PAQ may be a psychometrically stronger option, particularly for investigators interested in alexithymia subscale analysis in people with chronic pain. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-98c80af42b6148a6bfb856bc5d4a6d3b |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2471-2531 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Wolters Kluwer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | PAIN Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-98c80af42b6148a6bfb856bc5d4a6d3b2025-08-20T02:00:02ZengWolters KluwerPAIN Reports2471-25312025-02-01101e120410.1097/PR9.0000000000001204PR90000000000001204Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia QuestionnaireRachel V. Aaron0David A. Preece1Lauren C. Heathcote2Stephen T. Wegener3Claudia M. Campbell4Chung Jung Mun5a Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAb School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australiad Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdoma Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAe Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAe Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAAbstract. Introduction:. Alexithymia is elevated in chronic pain and relates to poor pain-related outcomes. However, despite concerns from other clinical populations, the psychometric properties of alexithymia measures have not been rigorously established in chronic pain. Objective:. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 Item (TAS-20) and the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) in adults with chronic pain. Methods:. An online sample of adults with chronic pain across the United States (N = 1453) completed the TAS-20, PAQ, and related questionnaires at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. Results:. Both measures showed good temporal stability, convergent validity (with emotion regulation scores), divergent validity (with depression and anxiety scores), and criterion validity. Some concerns were raised about the TAS-20: the original 3-factor structure showed a poor model fit; the Externally Oriented Thinking subscale of the TAS-20 had poor factor loadings and unacceptable internal consistency; and, we identified several TAS-20 items that may slightly inflate the predictive validity of the TAS-20 on pain-related outcomes. The original 5-factor structure of the PAQ showed a good fit; each PAQ subscale had good factor loadings and excellent internal consistency. Conclusions:. Both the TAS-20 and PAQ had psychometric strengths. Our data raised some concern for the use of TAS-20 subscales; the PAQ may be a psychometrically stronger option, particularly for investigators interested in alexithymia subscale analysis in people with chronic pain.http://journals.lww.com/painrpts/fulltext/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001204 |
| spellingShingle | Rachel V. Aaron David A. Preece Lauren C. Heathcote Stephen T. Wegener Claudia M. Campbell Chung Jung Mun Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire PAIN Reports |
| title | Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire |
| title_full | Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire |
| title_fullStr | Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire |
| title_short | Assessing alexithymia in chronic pain: psychometric properties of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire |
| title_sort | assessing alexithymia in chronic pain psychometric properties of the toronto alexithymia scale 20 and perth alexithymia questionnaire |
| url | http://journals.lww.com/painrpts/fulltext/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001204 |
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