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

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.