Evaluating a stroke-specific version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, using the Think-Aloud method

The main purpose was to evaluate, using the Think-Aloud method, a version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised for stroke survivors. Six stroke survivors (mean age = 58.8 years, range = 31-78 years, standard deviation= 18.9 years) took part in Think-Aloud interviews, analysed according to established guidelines. Overall, 179 problems emerged. The most noteworthy was missing or insufficient Think-Aloud data generated, where participants did not think out loud. Others included complex and negative item wording, and items on the treatment control sub-scale. Questionnaire length, simpler wording and verbal probing are important considerations in further development of an Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised for stroke survivors.