Cognitive mediators of pain perception and tolerance.
A social learning model of pain perception and tolerance was evaluated. Responses to cold-pressor pain were examined in 4 groups of 20 Ss each. One group was given instruction in cognitive coping strategies, the 2nd was given a monetary incentive contingent on tolerance time, the 3rd was given both cognitive training and monetary reinforcement, and a no-treatment control group was given neither. Incentive and coping instructions significantly increased tolerance but did not alter pain perception. A path analysis indicated that pain tolerance was affected by self-efficacy, which in turn was predicted by pain expectancy and the provision of incentives. Incentive also had an impact on tolerance that was independent of self-efficacy. Pain perception was strongly affected by pain expectancy, but was unrelated to self-efficacy.
University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-1020.
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Baker
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Kirsch
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012649:Self Concept; D012718:Set, Psychology; D012928:Social Desirability