An investigation of the cognitive control of pain

Recent literature in the area of pain research is reviewed with emphasis on studies examining the effects of the various methods of cognitive control of pain. An experiment is reported that examines the effects of two cognitive strategies, watching a videotape and backwards counting, on pain induced by the cold pressor technique. The effects of knowledge of aim of the experiment on pain experience is also examined. A number of dependent variables were recorded and used in the data analysis. Of these only one, the number of comments made by the subjects about the sensations felt in their hands, shows any significant difference when the different conditions are compared. The results of the other data analyses, though non significant do follow the expected direction thus lending some support to the hypotheses that knowledge of aim of the experiment increases tolerance level, and that as the level of distraction increases tolerance leyel will also increase. Some reasons for the non significance of the results are discussed and areas for future investigation in pain research are suggested