Pain-related coping strategies in children and adolescents with chronic pain. Validation of a German version of the Paediatric Pain Coping Inventory (PPCI revised)

Validated intruments for measuring coping in children and adolescents with chronic pain are rare in Germany. Using a sample of 180 out-patient children with chronic pain, a main component analysis was performed as well as cross-validations with out-patient and in-patient treated children. The scales of the PPCI-R showed significant relationships to pain characteristics and emotional stress. Different alterations were found in the PPCI-R scales in children with migraine and those with tension-type headache. The PPCI revised is therefore a validated instrument for measuring coping an can be implemented e.g. in treatment studies for children suffering from chronic pain.