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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
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Related Subject Headings
- Clinical Psychology
- 5203 Clinical and health psychology
- 5202 Biological psychology
- 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
- 1701 Psychology
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![Journal cover image](https://secure.syndetics.com/index.aspx?isbn=/lc.gif&issn=0005-7894&client=dukeuniv)
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Clinical Psychology
- 5203 Clinical and health psychology
- 5202 Biological psychology
- 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
- 1701 Psychology