Validation of the Pain Coping Questionnaire in Finnish

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Pain Management

Background:

• The Pain Coping Questionnaire (PCQ) is the first validated measure for pediatric pain coping.
• Previous validation of the PCQ has been limited, particularly in non-English speaking populations.
• The Finnish translation required psychometric evaluation to ensure its suitability for use in Finnish children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the factor structure and validity of the Finnish translation of the PCQ.
• To assess the reliability and cultural appropriateness of the PCQ in Finnish children.
• To support the use of the PCQ in national and international clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory factor analysis was employed for first-order and higher-order scale classification.
• Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.
• Correlations were examined between the PCQ, Children's Depression Inventory, pain frequency, and coping strategies.

Main Results:

• A structure of eight first-order and three higher-order scales was found to be most consistent.
• Four first-order scales mirrored the original PCQ solution.
• Reliability coefficients were satisfactory, and relationships with depression and pain frequency were identified.

Conclusions:

• The Finnish PCQ translation exhibits a culturally and statistically satisfactory factor structure.
• This validates the PCQ's reliability and utility for Finnish children.
• The findings support the PCQ's use across different linguistic and cultural contexts.