The role of experiential avoidance in acute pain tolerance: a laboratory test.
The present investigation examined the role of experiential avoidance in terms of acute pain tolerance and subsequent recovery. Seventy nonclinical participants completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire and underwent a well-established cold pressor task. Results indicated that individuals reporting higher levels of experiential avoidance had lower pain endurance and tolerance and recovered more slowly from this particular type of aversive event. Consistent with theoretical prediction, these findings suggest that experiential avoidance may play a role in tolerance of acute pain.
Feldner
Matthew T
MT
Department of Psychology, University of Vermont, John Dewey Hall, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. mfeldner@uvm.edu
Hekmat
Hamid
H
Zvolensky
Michael J
MJ
Vowles
Kevin E
KE
Secrist
Zachary
Z
Leen-Feldner
Ellen W
EW
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D004924:Escape Reaction; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires