Table 1 Interpretation of IPQ-R subscales (Moss-Morris et al., 2002)

Timeline

6–30

Evaluates duration of illness

The patient believes the illness is enduring

Timeline cyclical

4–20

Evaluates views on cyclical nature of illness

The patient believes the illness is cyclical

Consequences

6–30

Evaluates views on negative consequences for patient

The illness has negative consequences on the patient’s life

Personal control

6–30

Evaluates views on the effect of personal control by the

patient on the illness

The patient has high level of control over the illness

Treatment control

5–25

Evaluates views on the effectiveness of treatments available

The treatment is effective for the illness

Illness coherence

5–25

Evaluates the understanding of the illness

The patient has greater understanding of the illness

Emotional representations

6–30

Evaluates how the illness affects the patient emotionally

There is a greater emotional impact associated with the illness