Face scales for the assessment of pediatric pain: A critical review.

Reviews self-report instruments in current pediatric pain research noting their limitations and advantages. Early instruments are examined and face scales in current use discussed. Specifically, the work of J. E. Beyer (1984); L. Kuttner and T. LePage (1983); and P. A. McGrath et al (1985) was highlighted as indicative of the trend toward more reliable and valid instruments that also have psychometric sophistication. The trend toward face scales with more complex stimuli and possessing greater empathic value is noted. Suggestions are offered toward resolving research problems across developmental ages by the creation of different instruments for different ages. Areas for future research are discussed and the role of face scales in the further development of pain research in children is underlined. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)