The scale was developed as a self-report measurement tool that provided a valid index of catastrophizing in clinical and non-clinical populations.
It was also found that from a clinical perspective, the PCS may be useful in identifying individuals that may be more susceptible to high distress responses from aversive medical procedures such as chemotherapy or surgery.
The Study confirmed the ability of the PCS to isolate general catastrophizing characterized by the three primary related factors (rumination, magnification, and helplessness).
Through various studies the PCS was shown to be invariant (with most accuracy in the three oblique factor structure) across genders and both clinical and non-clinical groups.
By this association, catastrophizing has led to over predictions of pain, increased use of health care and longer hospital stays.
A greater understanding of a person's experience of pain can allow for a better care regimen to be implemented helping reduce problems that have previously come from catastrophizing.