J Headache Pain. 2015 Dec;16:1053. doi: 10.1186/1129-2377-16-3. Epub 2015 Feb 19.

About stagnation and the emperor's new clothes.

The journal of headache and pain

Geert Crombez

PMID: 25971239 PMCID: PMC4429429 DOI: 10.1186/1129-2377-16-3

Abstract

Innamorati and colleagues (Innamorati et al., J Headache Pain 16:2, 2015) validated the "stagnation scale" and proposed to use it to screen for psychopathology. I have some critical comments to consider about the theoretical and clinical value of the instrument. First, items of the scale are not specific, and may equally well measure worry, self-worth and distress. Second, questionnaires are tools to assess the experiences of patients, but not hypothesized causal processes. The scale can thus not identify patients who repress emotions. Third, the routine use of this instrument will detract clinicians from what really is at stake in patients and what may help them.

References

1. Pain. 2009 Sep;145(1-2):31-5 - PubMed
2. Pain. 2011 Jun;152(6):1334-9 - PubMed
3. Acta Neurol Belg. 2012 Mar;112(1):3-7 - PubMed
4. J Headache Pain. 2015;16:1052 - PubMed

MeSH terms

• Female
• Headache Disorders, Secondary / diagnosis
• Humans
• Male
• Psychometrics / instrumentation
• Surveys and Questionnaires / standards

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Comment