Psychology RootsMedical Outcomes Study Pain Measures
Here in this post, we are sharing the “Medical Outcomes Study Pain Measures”. You can read psychometric and Author information. We have thousands of Scales and questionnaires in our collection (See Scales and Questionnaires). You can demand us any scale and questionnaires related to psychology through our community, and we will provide you with a short time. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
About Medical Outcomes Study Pain Measures
Scale Name
Medical Outcomes Study Pain Measures
Author Details
Cathy D. Sherbourne
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Pain Measures, developed by Cathy D. Sherbourne in 1992, are self-report tools designed to assess pain severity (intensity, frequency, duration) and its impact on behavior and mood, intended for outcome evaluation and population surveys. Published in Medical Care (1992), the MOS Pain Measures adapt elements from the Wisconsin Brief Pain Questionnaire, comprising 12 items covering pain over the past four weeks, including a filter question (“Did you experience any bodily pain during the past 4 weeks?”) to identify relevant respondents. Non-respondents are scored as 1 (no interference) on the pain effects item.
Principal component analysis identified two factors: pain severity (items 1, 2, 3, 6, 7) and pain effects (items 4a–4f), with item 5 (days pain interfered) loading on both, suggesting three scores: pain effects (0–100, transformed from 1–5 average), pain severity (standardized mean, range -1.17 to +2.26), and days pain interfered. An overall score is calculated by standardizing and averaging all items. The MOS was validated with large survey samples (mean age ≈ 18–65 years, mixed gender, U.S.-based), correlating with pain and quality-of-life measures. It is used in health outcomes research, chronic disease management, and epidemiology. Access requires permission from Medical Care or the author.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the MOS Pain Measures from Sherbourne (1992) or Medical Care, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults 18+ with potential pain issues) that the questionnaire assesses pain and its impact over four weeks, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 12-item self-report scale in survey or clinical settings, starting with the filter question and instructing respondents to describe “general” pain if experienced more than once.
- Estimated completion time is 5–10 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide pain management resources (e.g., referrals) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., large print, assistance) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The MOS Pain Measures demonstrate solid psychometric properties (Sherbourne, 1992). Internal consistency is high (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.85–0.90 for subscales, N not specified). Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate (r ≈ 0.70–0.80) based on survey stability. Inter-rater reliability is not applicable due to self-report format. Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Brief Pain Inventory (r ≈ 0.70–0.85) and quality-of-life scales.
Discriminant validity is evidenced by the two-factor structure (severity, effects), with subscales effectively distinguishing pain dimensions. Factor analysis confirms the severity and effects constructs, supporting construct validity. The MOS reliably assesses pain outcomes. Pairing with the McGill Pain Questionnaire or visual analog scales enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
12-Items
Reference
Stewart, A. L., & Ware, J. E. (Eds.). (1992). Measuring functioning and well-being: the medical outcomes study approach. duke university Press.
González, V. M., Stewart, A., Ritter, P. L., & Lorig, K. (1995). Translation and validation of arthritis outcome measures into Spanish. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 38(10), 1429-1446.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the MOS Pain Measures assess?
They assess pain severity (intensity, frequency, duration) and its impact on mood and behavior.
Who is the target population?
Adults (18+) in survey or clinical settings, including chronic pain patients.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 5–10 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it evaluates pain outcomes to guide treatment and health policy.
Disclaimer
Please note that Psychology Roots does not have the right to grant permission for the use of any psychological scales or assessments listed on its website. To use any scale or assessment, you must obtain permission directly from the author or translator of the tool. Psychology Roots provides information about various tools and their administration procedures, but it is your responsibility to obtain proper permissions before using any scale or assessment. If you need further information about an author’s contact details, please submit a query to the Psychology Roots team.
Help Us Improve This Article
Have you discovered an inaccuracy? We put out great effort to give accurate and scientifically trustworthy information to our readers. Please notify us if you discover any typographical or grammatical errors.
Make a comment. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
Share With Us
If you have any scale or any material related to psychology kindly share it with us at [email protected]. We help others on behalf of you.
