This article describes a systematic review of the psychometric properties of the parent-report Emotionality, Activity, Sociability, and Impulsivity Temperament Scale (EASI; Buss, Plomin, & Willerman, 1973) and its iteration, the Emotionality, Activity, Sociability, and Shyness Temperament Survey (EAS; Buss & Plomin, 1984). Comprehensive terms were used to search four electronic databases up to July 2015. Twenty-seven papers that administered the EASI or EAS in English and provided psychometric information were included; 107 articles that administered the measures in a language other than English or that used various modifications were kept for narrative review. For the EASI, results demonstrated acceptable convergent and predictive validity, yet low to marginally acceptable internal consistency for the subscales, and poor factor structure was observed. For the EAS, internal consistency was generally acceptable, and predictive and concurrent validity was good, whereas support for the factor structure was mixed with some studies requiring modifications to the measure. The EAS demonstrated the most research support and best psychometric properties; however, revision of the measure may lead to improved overall psychometrics. Adoption of a revised, psychometrically sound version of this measure would facilitate greater consistency across the literature.

We conclude that, as hypothesized, the instruments under study can be used for the assessment of pain by laypeople. This is the first study to validate these instruments for use by laypeople. The use of these tools by laypeople (under the guidance of health professionals) has the potential of facilitating earlier detection and treatment of pain in older adults with dementia who live in community settings.