​Valid and reliable measures of pain are important to health psychologists primarily because

A) ​such measurements permit accurate evaluation of various pain therapy programs.
B) ​self-reports are more useful than physiological measures.
C) ​pain is a product of both physiological and emotional factors.
D) ​behavioral assessments are more reliable and valid.

Valid and reliable measures of pain are important to health psychologists primarily because such measurements permit accurate evaluation of various pain therapy programs. Pain is a complex phenomenon, and accurate measurement is necessary to assess the effectiveness of interventions that aim to reduce pain. Without reliable and valid measures of pain, it is difficult to determine the best course of treatment. Self-report measures are typically the most useful in evaluating pain, but physiological or behavioral measures can also provide important information about pain. Ultimately, the goal of pain measurement is to improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing pain.