Computer-Delivered Social Norm Message Increases Pain Tolerance. Issue 3 (22nd October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pulvers, Kim; Schroeder, Jacquelyn; Limas, Eleuterio F.; Zhu, Shu-Hong
• Is Part Of: Annals of behavioral medicine. Volume 47:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2013-10-22
• Subjects: Social norm -- Descriptive norm -- Injunctive norm -- Pain -- Technology -- Brief intervention -- 2 × 2 factorial; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Sick -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Behavioral Medicine; 616.0019
• DOI: 10.1007/s12160-013-9547-x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-6612

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Few experimental studies have been conducted on social determinants of pain tolerance. Purpose: This study tests a brief, computer-delivered social norm message for increasing pain tolerance. Methods: Healthy young adults ( N = 260; 44 % Caucasian; 27 % Hispanic) were randomly assigned into a 2 (social norm) × 2 (challenge) cold pressor study, stratified by gender. They received standard instructions or standard instructions plus a message that contained artifically elevated information about typical performance of others. Results: Those receiving a social norm message displayed significantly higher pain tolerance, F (1, 255) = 26.95, p < .001, ηp 2 = .10 and pain threshold F (1, 244) = 9.81, p = .002, ηp 2 = .04, but comparable pain intensity, p > .05. There were no interactions between condition and gender on any outcome variables, p > .05. Conclusions: Social norms can significantly increase pain tolerance, even with a brief verbal message delivered by a video.