International Journal of Sport, Exercise and Health Research 2022; 6(2): 103-110 DOI:10.31254/sportmed.6202
The Pain-Related Fear Scale: The validation of an instrument to measure pain-related fear in younger adults under 45 years of age with obesity
Oliver Hamer1 , Derek Larkin2 , Nicola Relph3 , Paola Dey3
1. Applied Health Research hub (AHRh), University of Central Lancashire, Preston, England
2. Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England
3. Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 17th August, 2022 / Accepted: 16th September, 2022
Background: The existence of pain-related fear appears to present an obstacle for health promoting behaviour change, particularly among younger adults with obesity. Measures developed and validated for middle-and-older age groups lack validity in younger adults under 45 years of age. This paper reports on the development and psychometric properties of a new instrument, based on a conceptual framework, to measure pain-related fear in younger adults. Methods: A cross sectional survey design was employed. 236 participants aged 18 to 45 years were recruited to participate. Participants completed three existing pain-related fear instruments mapped to a conceptual framework. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified the dimensions of the new Pain-Related Fear Scale. Construct validity was assessed by comparing scores between physical activity groups; criterion validity by correlation with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and reliability by Cronbach’s alpha. Differences in scores in the Pain-Related Fear Scale were explored across BMI subgroups. Results: A four-factor model with 12 items met the most acceptability thresholds for a good fitting model (CFI = 0.983; GFI = 0.953; RMSEA = 0.046; SRMR = 0.0301). Higher mean scores on the PainRelated Fear Scale were seen among those reporting low activity compared to high activity levels (F= 4.684; P= 0.01). Modest correlation was observed between the new instrument and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (r= 0.508;95% CI= 0.389-0.612). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.842. Scores were higher in the obese subgroup compared to the healthy bodyweight group (mean difference= -7.42; CI= -12.26 - -2.58; P= 0.001). Conclusion: The Pain-Related Fear Scale is a psychometrically valid measurement of pain-related fear for adults with obesity aged between 18 to 45 years. The instrument can support research relating to barriers to physical activity, and potentially has clinical utility as a screening and outcome measurement.
Obesity, Pain-related fear, Fears; Psychometrics, Weight management, Physical activity
