Effects of frequency of pain report on subjective pain ratings of the cold pressor task.
Differences in methodology among studies using the cold pressor task have affected the level of pain reported by subjects. This study was designed to assess the effects of varying frequency of self-report on intensity of subjective pain ratings. In a sample of 108 subjects, significant differences in pain ratings were found between subjects who rated their pain at 50-sec. intervals and groups who rated at lower or higher frequencies. Analysis indicated that the frequency of reporting pain may influence the coping strategies used by patients with pain and should be considered carefully by researchers.
Loftin
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M
Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-3013, USA.
Zeichner
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D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012107:Research Design; D013997:Time Factors