Cross-validation of the factor structure of the McGill Pain Questionnaire

Abstract

Low back pain patients'' responses to the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) were factor-analyzed using the principal factor method and direct oblique rotation procedures. Four factors were extracted that accounted for 55% of the total variance. Coefficients of congruence were computed to relate the current factors with those extracted in a previous factor analytic investigation. The results provided positive evidence that the sensory pressure, evaluative and affective-sensory factors previously identified are stable dimensions underlying the MPQ responses of low back pain patients. It is necessary to conduct further cross-validation studies using patients from a wide variety of treatment settings.