The Mindful Reappraisal of Pain Scale: Initial Validity Evidence for Use as a State Measure Following Isometric Exercise

TL;DR

The study introduces a new tool to measure how people mindfully reinterpret pain during exercise, showing it is reliable and distinct from other pain measures.

Contribution

This is the first validation of a state-based Mindful Reappraisal of Pain Scale in an acute exercise context.

Findings

The MRPS has a unidimensional structure with strong internal consistency.

MRPS scores uniquely predicted pain tolerance during exercise after controlling for mindfulness.

Scores were unrelated to pain intensity and exertion, supporting a cognitive reappraisal mechanism.

Abstract

The Mindful Reappraisal of Pain Scale (MRPS) measures the capacity to reinterpret pain mindfully, supporting resilience and persistence during discomfort. The MRPS may be especially useful in acute, exercise-related pain contexts, where individuals experience short-term but physically demanding discomfort. This study is the first to evaluate the validity of a state-based version of the MRPS in an acute exercise context. Physically active participants (N = 127) completed a plank and wall sit and reported state mindful reappraisal of pain, trait and state mindfulness, and exercise experience perceptions. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure with good internal consistency (ω = 0.88/0.90). MRPS scores correlated with mindfulness, pain tolerance, and affect and uniquely predicted wall sit pain tolerance after controlling for mindfulness. Scores were unrelated to pain intensity and perceived exertion, supporting the theoretical distinction of cognitive–affective reinterpretation rather than sensory attenuation. These findings support the MRPS as a brief, reliable tool for assessing mindful reappraisal in acute exercise contexts while also aligning with emerging evidence from clinical validation studies. However, further research is needed to confirm psychometric robustness across diverse exercise modes and participant populations.