The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory

[Ravn]

Posts have been copied from this thread about a study that used the MFI.

The MFI-20 questions are (click to expand image)

Link to original document, https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/asse.../Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI).pdf

The intro to the linked MFI questionnaire says

Population for Testing The scale has been validated in a variety of participant populations, including cancer patients (mean age of 61 years), army recruits (mean age of 21 years), psychology students (mean age of 24 years), and individuals participating in a study of chronic fatigue syndrome (mean age of 39 years).

Does anyone know what validation study they refer to? Because, applied to ME, some of the MFI questions are extremely open to different interpretations. Not to mention patronisingly phrased, e.g. what has 'feeling' to do with anything in for example "Physically, I feel only able to do a little"? This MFI, like most other questionnaires, should never have passed validation for ME.

 

[Andy]

Does anyone know what validation study they refer to?

Well this paper is referenced at the bottom of the linked questionnaire, so presumably it is this one

The multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) psychometric qualities of an instrument to assess fatigue

Abstract
The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is a 20-item self-report instrument designed to measure fatigue. It covers the following dimensions: General Fatigue, Physical Fatigue, Mental Fatigue, Reduced Motivation and Reduced Activity. This new instrument was tested for its psychometric properties in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome, psychology students, medical students, army recruits and junior physicians. We determined the dimensional structure using confirmatory factor analyses (LISREL's unweighted least squares method). The hypothesized five-factor model appeared to fit the data in all samples tested (AGFIs > 0.93). The instrument was found to have good internal consistency, with an average Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. Construct validity was established after comparisons between and within groups, assuming differences in fatigue based on differences in circumstances and/or activity level. Convergent validity was investigated by correlating the MFI-scales with a Visual Analogue Scale measuring fatigue (0.22 < r < 0.78). Results, by and large, support the validity of the MFI.

Paywall, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/002239999400125O

 

[Trish]

Here's a link to a short intro to the MFI scale. The scale itself is on the second page.
https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/asse.../Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI).pdf

Purpose The MFI is a 20-item scale designed to evaluate fi ve dimensions of fatigue: general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced motivation, reduced activity, and mental fatigue. By limiting the length of the questionnaire, developers hoped to accommodate those individuals who might fi nd larger measures especially tiring while still obtaining enough detailed information to examine multiple facets of fatigue.

Population for Testing
The scale has been validated in a variety of participant populations, including cancer patients (mean age of 61 years), army recruits (mean age of 21 years), psychology students (mean age of 24 years), and individuals participating in a study of chronic fatigue syndrome (mean age of 39 years).

Scoring
Respondents use a scale ranging from 1 to 7 to indicate how aptly certain statements regarding fatigue represent their experiences. Several positively phrased items are reversescored. Higher total scores correspond with more acute levels of fatigue.

 

[Trish]

We have a thread for a Korean study comparing the MFI with a significantly modified version of the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire here:
Comparison of assessment scores for fatigue between multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-K) and modified chalder fatigue scale (mKCFQ), 2022, Lim

The MFI has been used in quite a few of the studies we have threads for, listed on this forum search:
https://www.s4me.info/search/10953190/?q=Multidimensional+Fatigue+Inventory&t=post&o=date&g=1

 

[Medfeb]

This 2017 paper by Murdock et al evaluated the MFI-20 in ME and reported ceiling effects, and problems with validity and reliability. From the abstract:

The general and physical fatigue subscales on Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20, as well as the role of physical health on the RAND SF-36, demonstrated questionable or unacceptable internal consistency and problematic ceiling effects.

Significant ceiling effects and concerns with reliability and validity were observed among Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 and RAND SF-36 subscales for ME/CFS patients.​

 

[Lilas]

Here is a link to the full article cited above :

www.readcube.com/articles/10.1007/s11136-016-1406-3?shared_access_token=uJCUPIecRN788WfAHxrzzfe4RwlQNchNByi7wbcMAY7yGjsjRnmV8ZBFwoldRsMrb5lYaWTqHg9IdRBx13mhZY9GtRTOWTbcTJwoU8HUdtElsIWQXm7DotKzuBNeBfub86s1g5agLJP0n1ovBB11babf284yLC38grg1J5DHyCM%3D