The Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization Scale–Child Version (SPTS-C): Development and preliminary validation

Abstract

Background Sensitivity to pain traumatization is defined as the propensity to develop cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to pain that resemble a traumatic stress reaction. To date, sensitivity to pain traumatization has been assessed in adults (Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization Scale [SPTS-12]) and parents of youth with chronic pain (Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization Scale–Parent version [SPTS-P]). SPT may be relevant in the context of pediatric chronic pain given the substantial comorbidity between posttraumatic stress symptoms and pain. Aims This prospective study aimed to adapt the SPTS-12 for use in youth and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the new scale. Methods Participants included 175 youth with chronic pain ( M age = 14.31 years, 73% girls) referred to outpatient chronic pain programs. At baseline, youth self-reported the levels of their sensitivity to pain traumatization (Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization Scale–Child version [SPTS-C]), as well as their pain symptoms, pain-related anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and attentional control. Three months later, youth self-reported their pain symptoms and completed the SPTS-C. Results The SPTS-C had a one-factor structure that explained 48% of variance and demonstrated good reliability and construct validity. SPTS-C baseline scores predicted follow-up levels of pain interference but not pain intensity or pain unpleasantness. Conclusions The results provide preliminary evidence for the psychometric properties of the SPTS-C and the potential role of SPT in pediatric chronic pain outcomes.