The Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS; Barsky et al., 1988) was originally developed for measuring sensitivity to bodily sensations. The present study explores the psychometric properties of the adaptation into Italian of the SSAS among chronic pain patients, with particular attention to the construct validity of the scale. Two-hundred and fourty six adult patients affected by chronic pain completed the SSAS, and additional questionnaires measuring constructs conceptually related with somatosensory amplification. They also participated in a cold pressor task for measuring pain threshold and tolerance. Statistical analyses for evaluating the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were carried out. Results support the unidimensional structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Italian version of the scale. Findings in this study suggest, however, that the SSAS does not likely measure somatic sensitivity, but a cognitive process, i.e., the extent to which people believe they are somatically sensitive.
Reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Somatosensory Amplification Scale
BERNINI, OLIVIA;BERROCAL MONTIEL, CARMEN;CIARAMELLA, ANTONELLA;GUAZZELLI, MARIO
2008-01-01
Abstract
The Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS; Barsky et al., 1988) was originally developed for measuring sensitivity to bodily sensations. The present study explores the psychometric properties of the adaptation into Italian of the SSAS among chronic pain patients, with particular attention to the construct validity of the scale. Two-hundred and fourty six adult patients affected by chronic pain completed the SSAS, and additional questionnaires measuring constructs conceptually related with somatosensory amplification. They also participated in a cold pressor task for measuring pain threshold and tolerance. Statistical analyses for evaluating the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were carried out. Results support the unidimensional structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Italian version of the scale. Findings in this study suggest, however, that the SSAS does not likely measure somatic sensitivity, but a cognitive process, i.e., the extent to which people believe they are somatically sensitive.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
