Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory

What it measures

A multidimensional self-report measure of fatigue across five dimensions. Distinguishes physical and mental tiredness from reduced activity and motivation. Widely used in cancer research, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), and chronic illness populations as an outcome measure in fatigue intervention studies.

Response format

Likert (1–5, yes, that is true to no, that is not true); 4 items per subscale

Representative items

• I feel tired. (General Fatigue)
• Physically I feel only able to do a little. (Physical Fatigue)
• I think I do very little in a day. (Reduced Activity)
• I have trouble concentrating. (Mental Fatigue)
• I feel no desire to do anything. (Reduced Motivation)

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored (4 items). Five subscale scores; no total score recommended. Higher scores = greater fatigue. Freely available for research. Widely used in oncology, rheumatology, and CFS/ME research. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Chalder Fatigue Scale are related alternatives.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Smets, E.M.A., Garssen, B., Bonke, B., & de Haes, J.C.J.M. (1995). The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI): Psychometric qualities of an instrument to assess fatigue. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 39(3), 315–325.

Keywords