Social support and experimental pain.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this experimental study was to supplement and expand on clinical research demonstrating that the provision of social support is associated with lower levels of acute pain.


METHODS
Undergraduates (52 men and 49 women) performed the cold pressor task either alone or accompanied by a friend or stranger who provided active support, passive support, or interaction. Pain perception was measured on a 10-point scale.


RESULTS
Participants in the active support and passive support conditions reported less pain than participants in the alone and interaction conditions, regardless of whether they were paired with a friend or stranger.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that the presence of an individual who provides passive or active support reduces experimental pain.
Brown
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0165, USA.
Sheffield
David
D
Leary
Mark R
MR
Robinson
Michael E
ME
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010465:Perception; D012944:Social Support