An examination of the psychometric structure of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory in temporomandibular disorder patients: a confirmatory factor analysis

The internal consistency of the scales was obtained. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was carried out to test the MPI structure section by section in a sample of 114 temporomandibular disorder patients.Nearly all scales obtained good reliability indexes. The original structure could not be totally confirmed. However, with a few adjustments we obtained a satisfactory structural model of the MPI which was slightly different from the original: certain items and the Self control scale were eliminated; in two cases, two original scales were grouped in one factor, Solicitous and Distracting responses on the one hand, and Social activities and Away from home activities, on the other.The MPI has been demonstrated to be a reliable tool for the assessment of pain in temporomandibular disorder patients. Some divergences to be taken into account have been clarified.There has been a growing realisation that chronic pain is a complex phenomenon that consists of and is influenced by a wide range of psychosocial, behavioural and physical factors [1,2]. The complexity of chronic pain has led a number of authors to suggest that adequate treatment for chronic pain sufferers will depend on a better understanding of the pain sufferer and a comprehensive assessment of all relevant factors.Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) consist of a group of musculoskeletal problems affecting the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. These disorders represent a significant problem within the field of oral medicine, and are prevalent enough to constitute a public health concern. However, while Carlsson [3] has reported that as much as 93% of the population may show a sign and/or symptom of TMD during their lifetime, only 5–13% exhibit clinically significant symptoms such as pain or severe dysfunction. The aetiology of the disorder is highly controversial; rigorous studies need to be carried out using reliable and valid instruments of pain assessment to have a better understanding of the concre