# Validation of the Croatian Version of the Eight-Item Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8)

## TL;DR

This study translated and validated a questionnaire for measuring chronic pain acceptance in Croatian patients, showing it is reliable and useful for both research and clinical use.

## Contribution

The study provides a validated Croatian version of the CPAQ-8 questionnaire for assessing chronic pain acceptance.

## Key findings

- The Croatian CPAQ-8 showed good internal consistency and maintained its original two-factor structure.
- The questionnaire demonstrated strong concurrent validity with psychological distress, quality of life, and pain-related measures.
- It is suitable for use in both clinical and research settings for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

## Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is a serious health issue associated with significant functional and emotional impairment. Chronic pain acceptance, which can be described as engaging in valued activities despite ongoing pain, is associated with better psychological adjustment and quality of life. This study aimed to translate the Eight-Item Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ-8) into Croatian and investigate its reliability and validity. Methods: A total of 229 outpatients with chronic musculoskeletal pain completed the Croatian version of the CPAQ-8, as well as the SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PSC), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS). Results: The Croatian version of the CPAQ-8 demonstrated good internal consistency for the total score and its subscales, and the exploratory factor analysis revealed the original two-factor structure. Concurrent validity was supported through theoretically consistent correlations with psychological distress, quality of life, and pain-related constructs. Conclusion: The Croatian version of the CPAQ-8 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing pain acceptance in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and can be confidently used in both clinical practice and research settings.