Multidimensional Pain Readiness to Change Questionnaire 2 (13 & 26 items)

Abstract

The Multidimensional Pain Readiness to Change Questionnaire 2 (MPRCQ2) includes two adapted, shorter versions: the MPRCQ2-13 (13 items) and the MPRCQ2-26 (26 items). These instruments are designed to assess the degree of readiness for behavioral change among individuals experiencing chronic pain. The scales are based on the foundational concepts of the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) developed by Prochaska and DiClemente.

The primary purpose of the MPRCQ2 short forms is to determine a patient’s motivational stage regarding specific self-management behaviors—such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and pacing—which are frequently central to multidisciplinary treatment programs for pain. Both versions utilize a 7-point Likert-type scoring scale to quantify readiness across these behavioral domains.

Keywords

Pain readiness, readiness to change, chronic pain, Transtheoretical Model, Prochaska and DiClemente, self-management, multidisciplinary treatment, pain assessment, MPRCQ2, behavioral change.

Authors

Nielson (2002), van Burken P (2009)

Purpose

The central purpose of the MPRCQ2-13 and MPRCQ2-26 is to quantify and evaluate the stage of readiness for behavioral adoption in patients managing persistent pain. This assessment is critical for tailoring pain management interventions to the individual’s specific motivational stage, thereby maximizing the potential effectiveness of therapeutic efforts. By understanding where a patient falls within the stages of change, clinicians can select appropriate intervention strategies.

Specifically, the instrument targets behavioral domains essential for successful self-management, including the initiation of physical activity (exercise), the application of stress-reduction techniques (relaxation), and the use of activity management strategies (pacing). The goal is to provide a standardized metric for determining the motivational fit between the patient and the proposed treatment plan, particularly in settings utilizing a multidisciplinary approach.

Construct

The MPRCQ2 measures the psychological construct of Readiness to Change, operationalized within the context of chronic pain management behaviors. This construct is defined by the core principles of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), which posits that behavioral change occurs across sequential stages: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance. The scale assesses the degree to which an individual is prepared to move from a less engaged stage to a more active stage regarding specific pain coping strategies.

The multidimensional nature of the scale reflects that readiness is not a monolithic concept but varies across different types of self-management behaviors (e.g., readiness to exercise may differ from readiness to relax). By quantifying readiness across these dimensions, the instrument offers a nuanced profile of the patient’s motivational landscape concerning their pain treatment.

Validity

While the original MPRCQ2 (Nielson, 2002) established initial psychometric properties, the adapted versions (MPRCQ2-13 and MPRCQ2-26) require validation specific to the translated context (van Burken P, 2009). Generally, readiness-to-change scales based on the TTM demonstrate adequate construct validity when scores correlate logically with measures of stage-specific processes of change and decisional balance constructs.

Specific studies detailing the criterion and convergent validity of the van Burken adaptation would typically examine the relationship between MPRCQ2 scores and actual patient engagement in pain management activities, treatment adherence, and outcomes related to pain intensity and function. High validity suggests that the scale accurately predicts subsequent behavioral change.

Reliability

Reliability of the MPRCQ2 short forms is typically assessed using internal consistency measures (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) and test-retest reliability. High internal consistency is expected within the subscales corresponding to the various behavioral domains (e.g., exercise readiness, relaxation readiness). The original MPRCQ showed good reliability, and these properties are expected to be maintained in the shortened versions, provided the item reduction process was psychometrically sound.

For clinical utility, the reliability scores must demonstrate stability over short periods (test-retest) for patients who are not undergoing active intensive intervention, ensuring that observed changes are due to treatment effects rather than measurement error.

Factor Analysis

The factor structure of the MPRCQ2 short forms should ideally align with the multidimensional nature of the construct and the specific self-management behaviors being targeted. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) or Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is used to determine if the 13 or 26 items load onto distinct factors representing readiness for specific behaviors (e.g., Pacing factor, Relaxation factor, Exercise factor).

A successful factor analysis confirms that the scale items adequately represent the intended subdomains of readiness to change, supporting the interpretation that the instrument measures multiple facets of motivational preparedness rather than a single, global construct.

Instrument

Test Type: Questionnaire

Format: Self-report scale using a 7-point Likert-type response format.

Language Available: Dutch (Original translation/adaptation by van Burken P, 2009).

Population Group: Clinical population experiencing chronic pain.

Age Group: Adults, Elderly.

Population Details: Individuals referred for or participating in multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs. The scale assesses mental functions, personal factors, and sensory functions related to pain.

Test Methodology: Assessment of motivational stage across multiple domains of pain self-management behavior (e.g., exercise, relaxation, pacing). The original PDF documentation (Explanatory Form) can be downloaded here: Toelichtingsformulier. The instrument itself (DOCX format) is available here: Meetinstrument.

Keywords

MPRCQ2-13, MPRCQ2-26, behavioral change, self-management, pain rehabilitation, Nielson 2002, motivational assessment, TTM, chronic pain, Likert scale.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Information not provided in source.

Affiliation Email addresses: Information not provided in source.

Correspondence Address: Information not provided in source.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The adaptation/translation by van Burken P was published in 2009. The original scale was developed by Nielson in 2002. Information regarding specific usage fees or detailed permission requirements for the translated version is not available in the source data and must be sought directly from the translating author or relevant institution.

Reference’s

• Nielson, W. R. (2002). The Multidimensional Pain Readiness to Change Questionnaire (MPRCQ). Unpublished manuscript.
• van Burken P. (2009). Vrije vertaling (Free translation) of the MPRCQ2 short forms.
• Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390–395.

Items of the Multidimensional Pain Readiness to Change Questionnaire 2 (13&26 items)

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

The specific item content for the MPRCQ2-13 and MPRCQ2-26 was not provided in the source content, only the links to the instrument documentation.