Validation of the coping with health, injuries, and problems scale in a chronic pain sample

Objective: The Coping with Health, Injuries, and Problems (CHIP) Scale is a self-report instrument that is designed for diverse patient populations to provide measures of emotion-focused (e.g., emotional preoccupation) and ta sk-oriented (e.g., palliative, instrumental, distraction) responses to inju ry. The present investigation assessed the factor structure, reliability, a nd validity of the measure in patients (n = 203) with chronic musculoskelet al pain. Method: Patients were administered questionnaires, including the CHIP Scale , and measures of pain coping strategies, adjustment, and personality. Results: The factor structure, with one exception, was replicable, and the subscale reliabilities were acceptable. The subscales related in predictabl e ways to other similar questionnaires, to pain adjustment, and to personal ity. Conclusion: Overall, the CHIP Scale is both reliable and valid in assessing responses to chronic pain. Researchers and clinicians who want to use a ps ychometrically sound measure of response to illness that is applicable acro ss diverse patient populations are encouraged to consider this measure.