Validation of the Multidimensional Affect and Pain Survey (MAPS)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Oncology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Assessing patient-reported outcomes in oncology is crucial for effective treatment.
• Existing multidimensional pain questionnaires can be lengthy and less comprehensive.
• The Multidimensional Affect and Pain Survey (MAPS) was developed to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the concurrent construct validity of the Multidimensional Affect and Pain Survey (MAPS).
• To evaluate MAPS's ability to capture somatosensory, emotional, and well-being aspects of pain in oncology patients.

Main Methods:

• Concurrent construct validity was assessed in 100 oncology outpatients.
• Examined correlation patterns between MAPS subscales and established measures (MPQ, POMS, FACT-G, KPS).
• Utilized a criterion level of significance for evaluating correlations, as recommended by Jensen.

Main Results:

• MAPS Somatosensory Pain subclusters strongly correlated with related sensory items from MPQ, and weakly with unrelated affective constructs.
• MAPS Emotional Pain subclusters showed high correlations with relevant POMS and FACT-G scales, and negatively with KPS score.
• MAPS Well-Being subclusters correlated highly with POMS Vigor/Activity, FACT-G, and KPS score, while showing low correlations with unrelated MPQ sensory groups.

Conclusions:

• The 101-item MAPS demonstrates strong concurrent construct validity in oncology outpatients.
• MAPS provides a more comprehensive and efficient assessment of pain, emotional, and well-being status compared to longer test batteries.
• This objectively developed questionnaire offers greater scope and accuracy in evaluating patient experiences.