PCI: the Pain Coping
Inventory/ De pijncoping
inventarisatielijst
The PCI consists of six scales
(33 items) measuring cognitive and
behavioral pain-coping strategies
that represent two higher order,
active, and passive pain coping
dimensions. Items are rated
according to a 4-point Likert
scale ranging from 1 (hardly ever)
to 4 (very often) in terms of
frequency with which strategies
are applied when dealing with
pain. Active pain coping
strategies reflect three
cognitive-behavioral strategies,
measuring patient’s efforts to
distract themselves from pain
(distraction, five items), to
reinterpret and transform the pain
(pain transformation, four items)
and to function in spite of pain
(reducing demands, three items).
Passive pain coping reflects three
cognitive-behavioral strategies,
assessing behavioral tendencies to
restrict functioning (resting,
five items), to avoid
environmental stimuli (retreating,
seven items) and catastrophic
cognitions about the pain
(worrying, nine items).
A composite score of the active
and passive coping dimensions can
be calculated by summing up the
non-weighted scores of the three
active and passive coping
strategies. The PCI scales are
sensitive to identify differences
between pain diagnostic groups in
their use of pain-coping
strategies. Confirmatory construct
and criterion validity of the
scales and the second-order
structure with respect to active
and passive pain-coping strategies
were supported (Kraaimaat et al.,
1997; Kraaimaat et al., 2003). In
addition, the psychometric
qualities of the French version of
the PCI were assessed by Perrot et
a. (2008) and found to have good
structural validity and highly
suitable for analyzing active and
passive pain coping strategies in
patients with osteoarthritis. Use
of the PCI is free for health
professionals and researchers. At
present the PCI is available in a
Dutch [article
in .pdf format], English
[article in .pdf format] ,
German [article
in .pdf format] ,
Turkish [article
in .pdf format] , Portugese
, Swedish[article
in .pdf format] and French [article in pdf
format]version respectively.
Publications
Kraaimaat, F.W., Bakker, A. &
Evers, A.W.M. (1997).
Pijncoping-strategieën bij
chronische pijnpatiënten: De
ontwikkeling van de Pijn Coping
Inventarisatielijst (PCI). ( Pain
coping strategies in chronic pain
patients: the development of the
Pain Coping Inventory (PCI). Gedragstherapie,
30,
3, 185-201. [article
in
.pdf format]
Kraaimaat, F.W. & Evers, A.W.
(2003). Pain-Coping Strategies in
Chronic Pain Patients:
Psychometric Characteristics of
the Pain-Coping Inventory (PCI). International
Journal
of Behavioral Medicine, 10,
4, 343-63. [article
in .pdf format]
Perrot, S., Poiraudeau, S., Kabir,
M., Bertin, P., Sichere, P.,
Serrie, A. & Rannou, F.
(2008). Active and Passive Pain
Coping Strategies in Hip and Knee
Osteoarthritis? Results of an
National Survey of 4,719 Patients
in a Primary Care Setting. Arthritis
& Rheumatism, 59, 11,
1555-1562[article
in pdf format].
Oliveira, P. & Costa, M.E.
(2012). Validity and reliability
of the portuguese version of the
Pain Coping Inventory. Acta
Reumatology Portugese, 37,
2, 126-133.
Publications with the PCI as a
measurement of pain coping
behaviour
Kraaimaat, F.W., Brons, M.R.,
Geenen, R. & Bijlsma, J.W.J.
(1995) The effects of cognitive
behavior therapy in patients with
rheumatoid arthritis. Behaviour
Research and Therapy, 33, 5,
487-495.
Evers, A.W.M., Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Geenen, R., & Bijlsma, J.W.J.
(1998). Psychosocial predictors of
functional change in recently
diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis
patients. Behaviour Research
and Therapy, 36, 179-193.
Hopman-Rock, M., Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Odding, E., & Bijlsma, J.W.J.
(1998). Coping with Pain in the Hip
or Knee in Relation to Physical
Disability in Community-Living
Elderly People. Arthritis Care
and Research, 11 (4),
243-252.
Evers, A.W.M., Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Geenen, R., Jacobs, J.W.G., Bijlsma,
J.W.J. (2003). Pain coping and
social support as predictors of
long-term functional disability and
pain in early rheumatoid arthritis.
Behavior and Research Therapy,
41, 1295-1310.[article
in pdf format]
Evers, A.W.M., Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Riel, P.L.C.M.van & Bijlsma,
J.W.J. (2001). Cognitive, behavioral
and physiological reactivity to pain
as a predictor of long-term pain in
rheumatoid arthritis patients. Pain,
93, 139-146.
Evers, A.W.M., Kraaimaat F.W., Riel,
P.L.C.M. van & Jong, A.J.L. de
(2002). Tailored
cognitive-behavioral therapy in
early rheumatoid arthritis for
patients at risk: a randomized
controlled trial. Pain, 100,
141-153.
Evers, A.W.M., Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Geenen, R., Jacobs, J.W.G. &
Bijlsma, J.W.J. (2003). Pain coping
and social support as predictors of
long-term functional disability and
pain in early rheumatoid arthritis.
Behaviour and Research Therapy,
41, 1295-1310.
Bot, S.D.M., Waal, J.M. van der,
Terwee, C.B., Windt, D.A.W.M. van
der, Bouter, L.M. & Dekker, J.
(2005). Course and prognosis of
elbow complaints: a cohort study in
general practice. Annals of the
Rheumatic Diseases, 64, 9,
1331-1336.
Bekkering, G.E., Hendriks, H.J.M.,
Tulder, M.W. van, Knol, D.L.,
Simmonds, M.J., Oostendorp, R.A.B.
& Bouter, L. (2005). Prognostic
factors of low back pain in patients
referred for physiotherapy:
Comparing outcomes and varying
modeling techniques. Spine, 30,
16, 1881-1886.
Waal, J.M. van der, Bot, S.D.M.,
Terwee, C.B., Windt, D.A.W.M. van
der, Scholten, R.J.P.M., Bouter, L.
& Dekker, J. (2005). Course and
prognosis of knee complaints in
general practice. Arthritis
Care & Research, 53, 6, 920-930.
Waal, J.M. van der, Terwee, C.B. et
al. (2005). Predictors of outcome in
neck and shoulders symptoms. Spine,
30 (16): E459-70.
Verhoeven, L., Kraaimaat, F.,
Duller, P., Kerkhof, P.v.d. &
Evers, A.W.M. (2006). Cognitive,
behavioral, and physiological
reactivity to chronic itching:
analogies to pain. International
Journal
of Behavioral Medicine, 13,
237-243.
Waal, J.M. van der, Bot, S.D.M.,
Terwee, C.B., Windt, D.A.W.M. van
der, Bouter, L. & Dekker, J.
(2006). The course and prognosis of
hip complaints in general practice.
Annals of Behavioral Medicine,
31, 3, 297-308.
Boer, J.J. den, Oostendorp, R.A.B.,
Beems, T., Munneke, M. & Evers,
A.W.M. (2006). Continued disability
and pain after lumbar disc surgery:
The role of cognitive-behavioral
factors. Pain, 123, 45-52.
Samwel, H.J.A., Evers, A.W.M.,
Kraaimaat, F.W. & Crul, B.J.P.
(2006). The role of helplessness,
fear of pain and pain-coping in
chronic pain patients. Clinical
Journal of Pain, 22, 245-251.
Boer, J.J. den, Oostendorp, R.A.B.,
Beems, T., Munneke, M. & Evers,
A.W.M. (2006). Reduces work capacity
after lumbar disc surgery: The role
of cognitive-behavioral and
work-related risk factors. Pain,
126, 72-78.
Heneweer, H., Aufdemkampe, G.,
Tulder, M.W. van, Kiers, H.,
Stappaerts, K.H. & Vanhees, L.
(2007). Psychosocial variables in
patients with (sub)acute low back
pain.: An inception cohort in
primary care physical therapy in the
Netherlands. Spine, 32, 5,
586-592.
Oosterhof, J., Samwel, H., Boo, T.
de, Wilder-Smith, O.H.G.,
Oosterdorp, R.A.B. & Crul,
B.J.P. (2008). Predicting outcome of
Tens in chronic pain: a prospective,
randomized placebo controlled trial.
Pain, 136, 11-20.
Koulil, S. van, Lankveld, W van,
Kraaimaat, F.W., Helmond, T van,
Vedder, A., Hoorn, H. van, Cats, H.,
Riel, P.L.C.M., van & Evers,
A.W.M. (2008). Tailored
cognitive-behavioral therapy for
fibromyalgia: Two case-studies. Patient
Education and Counseling, 71,
308-314.
Samwel, H.J.A., Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Crul, B.J.P. & Evers, A.W.M.
(2007). The role of fear avoidance
factors and helplessness for
functional disability in chronic
pain: A prospective study. International
Journal
of Behavioral Medicine, 14,
237-241.
Koulil, S. van, Boer , J.J. den,
Samwel, H.J., Pothof, E., Riel,
P.L.C.M. van & Evers, A.W.M.
(2008). Van pijnvermijding naar
pijnpersistentie: screening en
cognitieve gedragstherapie op maat
bij chronische pijn [From pain
avoidance to pain persistence:
Screening and tailored cognitive
behavior therapy in chronic pain]. Gedragstherapie,
Special
Issue Medical Psychology, 41,
15-26.
Koulil, S. van, Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Lankveld, W. van, Helmond, T. van,
Vedder, Hoorn A. van, Cats, H.,
Riel, P.L.C. M. van & Evers,
A.W.M. (2008). Screening for
Pain-Persistence and Pain-Avoidance
Patterns in Fibromyalgia. International
Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 15,
211-220.
Roer, N. van der, Tulder, M. van,
Barendse, K., Knol, D., Mechelen, W.
van & Vet, H. de (2008).
Intensive group training protocol
versus guideline physiotherapy for
patients with chronic low back pain:
a randomised controlled trial. European
Spine Journal, 17, 1193-1200.
[article
in pdf format]
Grimmer-Somers, K., Vipond, N.,
Kumar, S. & Hall, G. (2009). A
review and critique of assessment
instruments for patients with
persistent pain. Journal of Pain
Research, 2, 21-47. [article
in pdf format]
Olieveira, P. & Costa, M.E.
(2009). Interrelationship of adult
attachment orientations, health
status and worrying among
fibromyalgia patients. Journal
of Health Psychology, 14,
1184-1195.
Samwel, H.J.A., Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Crul, B.J.P., Dongen, R.D. van &
Evers, A.W.M. (2009).
Multidisciplinairy allocation of
chronic pain treatment: effects and
cognitive-behavioral predictors of
outcome. British Journal of
Health Psychology, 14,
405-421.
Samwel, H.J.A., Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Crul, B.J.P. & Evers, A.W.M.
(2009). Multidisciplinairy
allocation of pain treatment:
Long-term outcome of
cognitive-behavioral processes. Journal
of Musculoskeletal Pain, 17,
26-36.
Heneweer, H., Woudenberg, N.J. van,
Genderen, F. van, VanHees, L. &
Wittink, H. (2010). Measuring
psychological variables in patients
with (sub)acute low back pain
complaints at risk for chronicity. Spine,
35, 447-452. [article
in pdf format]
Holla, J.F.M., Steuljes, M.P.M.,
Roorda, L.D., Heymans, M.W., Wolde,
S, Ten & Dekker, J. (2010).
Prognostic factors for the two-year
course of activity limitations in
early osteoarthritis of the hip
and/or knee. Arthritis Care
& Research, 62, 1415-1425.
Koulil, S. van, Lankveld, W. van,
Kraaimaat, F.W., Riel, P.L.C.M. van
& Evers, A.W.M. (2010). Risk
factors for longer-term
psychological distress in
well-functioning fibromyalgia
patients: A prospective study into
prognostic factors. Patient
Education and Counseling, 80,
126-129.
Koulil, S. van, Kraaimaat, F.W.,
Lankveld, W. van, Helmond, T. van,
Vedder, A., Hoorn, A. van, Donders,
A.T., Thieme, K., Cats, H.A., Riel,
P.L.C.M. van & Evers, A.W.M.
(2011). Cognitive behavioral
mechanisms in pain-avoidance and a
pain-persistence treatment for
high-risk fibromyalgia patients.
Arthritis Care and Research,
63, 800-807.
Holla, J.F.M., Leeden, M. van der,
Knol, D.l., Peter, W.F.H., Ruurda,
L.D., Lems, W.F., Wesseling, J.,
Steultjens, M.P. & Dekker, J.
(2012). Avoidance of activities in
early symptomatic
kneeosteoarthritis: Results from the
CHECK cohort. Annals of
Behavioral Medicine, 44,
33-42.
Meeus, M., Nijs, J., Mul, E. van,
Truijen, S. & De Meirleir, K.
(2012). Role of psychological
aspects in both chronic pain and in
daily functioning in chronic fatigue
syndrome: a prospective longitudinal
study. Clinical Rheumatology,
31, 921-929.
Bossen, D., Veenhof, C., Beek,
K.E.C. van, Spreeuwemberg, P.M.,
Dekker, J. & Bakker, D.H.
(2013). Effectiveness of a web-based
physical activity intervention in
patients with kwee and/or hip
osteoarthritis:
Randomized controlled trial. Journal
of Internet Research, 22,
15(11):e257.
Marinus, J., Perez, R., Eijs, F.
van, Gestel, M.A. et al. (2013). The
role of pain coping and
kinesiophobia in patients with
complex regional pain syndrome type
1 of the legs. Clinical Journal
of Pain, 29, 7, 563-569.
Heutink, M., Post, M.W.M.,
Overdulve, C.W., Phennings,
L.E.M.A., Vis, W. van de,
Vrijens, N.L.H. &
Lindeman, E. (2013). Which pain
coping strategies and cognitions are
associated with outcomes of a
cognitive behavioral intervention
for neuropathic pain after spinal
cord injury. Topics in Spinal
Cord Injury Rehabilitation,
19, 4, 330-340.
Stukstette, M.J., Dekker, J.,
Broeder, A.A. den, Westeneng, J.M. ,
Bijlsma, J.W., Ende, C.W. van den.
(2013). No evidence for the
effectiveness of a multidisciplinary
group based treatment program in
patients with osteoarthritis of
hands on the short term: results of
a randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis
and Cartilage, 21, 7, 901-910.
Smink, A.J., Dekker, J., Vliet
Vlieland, Th.P.M., Swierstra, B.,
Kortland, J.H., Bijlsma, J.W.J.,
Teerenstra, S., Voorn, T.,
Bierma-Zeinstra, S.M.A., Schers,
H.J. & Ende, C.H.M. van den.
(2013). Health care use of patients
with osteoarthritis of the hip or
knee after implementation of a
stepped care strategy: an
observational study. Arthritis
Care & Research, doi:
10.1002/acr.22222.
Pisters, M.F., Veenhog, C. van,
Dijk, G.M. & Dekker, J. (2014).
Avoidance of activity and
limitations in patients with
osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: a
5 year follow-up study on the
mediating role of reduced muscle
strength. Osteoarthritis and
Cartilage, 22,2, 171-177.
Holla, J.F., Leeden, M. van der,
Roorda, L.D., Hilberdink, W.K.,
Lems, W.F., Steultjes, M.P. &
Dekker, J. (2014). Risk factors and
outcome of pain-related avoidance of
activities in persons with early
symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A
5-year follow-up study. Arthritis
Care & Research, doi
10.1002/acr.22381.
Holla, J.F., Leeden, M. van der,
Heymans, M.W., Roorda, L.D.,
Bierma-Zeinstra, S.M.A., Boers, M.,
Lems, W.F., Steultjes, M.P. &
Dekker, J. (2014). Three
trajectories of activity limitations
in early symptomatic knee
ostreoarthritis: a 5-year follow-up
study. Annals of the Rheumatic
Diseases, 73, 1369-1375.
Holla, J.F.M., Leeden, M. van der,
Knol, D.L., Roorda, L.D.,
Hilberdink, W.K.H.A., Lems, W.F.,
Steultjens, M.P.M. & Dekker, J.
(2015). Predictors and outcome of
pain related avoidance of activities
in persons with early symptomatic
knee osteoarthritis: A five-year
followup study. Arthritis Care and
Research, 67, 1, 48-57.
Outi, E.I., Hermsen, L.A.H., Van der
Wouden, J.C., Holla, J.F.M., Van der
Leeden, M. et al. (2018). Are
changes in pain, cognitive
appraisals and coping strategies
associated with changes in physical
functioning in older adults with
joint pain and chronic diseases?
Aging Clinical and Experimental
Research.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-018-0978-x
