Development of a behavioral observation technique for the assessment of pain behaviors in cancer patients

The present study assessed the reliability and validity of a behavioral observation technique designed to assess pain behaviors in cancer patients. Data supported the reliability of the procedure in that the level of interobserver agreement was quite acceptable. The validity of the technique was supported in that the pain behavior scores correlated significantly, as predicted, with the Sickness Impact Profile-Physical Scale and the Global Adjustment to Illness Scale, but not with the Sickness Impact Profile-Psychosocial Scale. Pain behavior scores and ratings of pain intensity, as measured on a visual analogue scale, were not significantly correlated. Additional support for the construct validity of the measure was provided in that nurses' and students' judgments of pain intensity correlated highly with pain behavior scores. Therefore, the behavioral observation method holds promise as a reliable, valid measure of pain behavior in a cancer pain population. © 1990 Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy.

Duke Scholars

Author Francis Joseph Keefe Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...