The scale was developed as a self-report measurement tool that provided a valid index of catastrophizing in clinical and non-clinical populations.
Other self-report measurement tools such as: the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), the Pain-Related Self-Statements Scale (PRSS) and the Cognitive Coping Strategy Inventory (CCS) had subscales for assessing catastrophizing but failed to explore specific dimensions of catastrophizing.
Participants are asked about pain experiences in their past; they then rate how well various statements fit their thoughts and feelings at the time.
Several such studies have shown the PCS to be invariant, with most accuracy in the three oblique factor structure, across genders and both clinical and non-clinical groups.
These sessions and classes typically span 6 to 12 weeks, and cover a variety of psychobehavioral topics in addition to pain catastrophizing.
[11] In 2014, researchers at Stanford University found that a single-session class that they developed specifically to treat pain catastrophizing was effective.