When symptoms become side effects: Development of the side effect attribution scale (SEAS)

Symptom misattribution is a central process in the nocebo effect but it not accurately assessed current side measures. We have developed new measure, Side Effect Attribution Scale (SEAS), which examines degree to people believe their symptoms are treatment effects. The SEAS was tested three New Zealand studies: vaccination sample ( n = 225), patients with gout or rheumatoid arthritis 102), and switching generic medicine 69). internal reliability of scale examined using Cronbach's alpha. To assess validity, Total Score Binary were related number psychological measures associated reporting. showed good across studies, Cronbach alphas ranging from 0.840 0.943. Analysis sizes that generally more strongly responding than Score. Participants had greater Scores if they higher expectations for effects r 0.18, p .028), worry about future vaccine 0.16, .046), perceived sensitivity medicines 0.50, < .001), anxiety 0.25, .016), intentional non-adherence 0.30, .003), information seeking 0.26, .010), lower trust pharmaceutical agencies ?0.29, .026), efficacy beliefs ?0.46, .001). provides nuanced assessment symptom attribution beliefs. It appears be sensitive measure just total, as relevant variables. Future research should examine other populations settings. • Misattribution key measured. (SEAS) has been shown strong relationship