Psychometric properties of the Danish versions of Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale and Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to test the cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of a Danish version of the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale (HSLC) and the Headache Management Self-Efficacy Scale (HMSE) in a tertiary headache centre. HSLC and HMSE are headache-specific measures of locus of control (LOC) and SE. The Danish versions of the HSLC and the HMSE were created according to the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures. The HSLC and HMSE were administered to 135 consecutively referred headache patients in a tertiary headache centre together with other self-report measures concerning general distress, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life. Internal stability of the HSLC subscales and the HMSE were analysed using Chronbach’s α coefficient. The psychometric properties of the Danish version of the HSLC and the HMSE were analysed using Spearman’s rank correlation test. Cronbach’s α ranged from 0.71 to 0.88 and the corrected item-total correlations were acceptable. The mean corrected item-total correlations for the three subscales of HSLC (health-care LOC, internal LOC, and chance LOC) were 0.40, 0.59, and 0.40 respectively. The mean corrected item-total correlation for HMSE was 0.42. High HMSE scores were found to be associated with high scores on internal LOC and low scores on chance LOC. High scores on chance LOC were positively associated with low scores on social functioning independently of headache frequency. The results are consistent with the earlier findings of the original American versions of HMSE and HSLC. These scales seem to be valid and valuable tools for testing of psychological aspects related to level of functioning and quality of life for headache patients across different cultures of Western society. The HMSE and the HSLC proved valuable in clinical headache research. Since scores on HSLC and HMSE were associated with measures of physical and social functioning the HSLC and HMSE may be of particular interest for intervention studies aimed at enhancing level of functioning for headache patients.

German Language Adaptation of the Headache Management Self‐Efficacy Scale (HMSE‐G) and Development of a New Short Form (HMSE‐G‐SF)

“…Taken together, the results suggest that the HMSE-G and the HMSE-G-SF are reliable and valid measures of headache-specific self-efficacy. These results add to the previous HMSE literature by enriching the findings of the original English long version 24 and the Danish long version, 48 eg, with measures of responsiveness and by contributing a new abbreviated measure of this import construct.…”

Cross‐Sectional Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Headache‐Specific Locus of Control Scale in People With Migraine

“…Martin and colleagues report adequate internal consistency across all 3 components ( α ’s ranging from 0.84 to 0.88) and provide initial evidence of construct validity . A handful of studies provide further evidence of internal consistency ( α ’s ranging from 0.71 to 0.88) and construct validity as demonstrated by typically moderate associations between HSLC and headache‐related beliefs (self‐efficacy and pain catastrophizing), and typically small associations between HSLC and psychiatric symptoms (anxiety and depression), migraine‐specific quality of life, and disability …”

“…10 A handful of studies provide further evidence of internal consistency (α's ranging from 0.71 to 0.88) and construct validity as demonstrated by typically moderate associations between HSLC and headache-related beliefs (self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing), and typically small associations between HSLC and psychiatric symptoms (anxiety and depression), migraine-specific quality of life, and disability. [13][14][15][16] Research guidelines and funding agencies recommend assessing putative therapeutic mechanisms, such as HSLC, in behavioral treatment trials. 17,18 Empirical information about these beliefs and their relationship with migraine outcomes is essential to evaluate the active components of the existing treatments and to develop modifications or new treatments to more optimally treat migraine.…”

Dutch Translation and Validation of the Headache-Specific Locus of Control Scale (HSLC-DV)

“…Locus of Control (LoC) is related to the impact of headaches and chronic pain [ 3 ]. The extent patients believe they can control events affecting their pain is influenced by the degree of LoC [ 4 , 5 ]. Individuals with internal LoC believe that events in their life derive primarily from their own actions.…”