Scale-Description

The Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS-20) is an assessment tool used to measure anxiety symptoms related to pain. It consists of 20 questions that assess the emotional and physical responses individuals have to pain, such as anxiety and avoidance associated with pain sensations. This scale is designed to provide an understanding of the intensity of anxiety caused by pain and to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of pain-related anxiety symptoms.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data analysis from the PASS-20 involves collecting and evaluating responses to the 20 items on the scale. Each item is rated on a scale typically from 0 (never) to 4 (always), and the responses are aggregated to produce a total anxiety score related to pain.
Data analysis may include:
Descriptive Statistics: Calculating means and standard deviations of scores to understand general trends.
Internal Consistency: Assessing the reliability of the scale using Cronbach’s alpha.
Factor Analysis: Analyzing whether the data support the theoretical dimensions of the scale.
Correlations: Examining the relationship between PASS-20 scores and other related scales or variables, such as pain intensity or quality of life.

Purpose

The primary objective of the PASS-20 is to measure the severity of anxiety related to pain. The scale aims to help clinicians better understand the psychological impact of pain on patients and to design appropriate intervention and treatment strategies.

Calibration

Calibration of the PASS-20 includes:
Assessment of Internal Consistency: Measuring the reliability of the scale using Cronbach’s alpha, which typically ranges around .90, indicating high internal consistency.
Validity: Evaluating the validity of the scale through comparisons with other anxiety or pain scales and factor structure analyses.
Diagnostic Accuracy: Using data to understand the scale’s ability to distinguish between different levels of pain-related anxiety.

References

McCracken, L. M., & D. J. Keefe. (2003). The Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS): Development and validation. Journal of Pain, 4(1), 6-16.
McCracken, L. M., & T. E. Mardell. (2006). Assessing the impact of pain anxiety on functional disability: The role of the PASS-20. Pain Research & Management, 11(3), 151-159.
Rosenstiel, A. K., & R. M. Keefe. (1983). The role of anxiety in the experience of pain. Pain, 16(1), 35-40.