Abstract
Background
Placebo hypoalgesia can be induced by observing a person (model) whose pain relief is the result of the use of an inert substance or procedure. This study examined whether verbal modeling, i.e. showing pain ratings provided by other people, is sufficient to induce placebo hypoalgesia.
Methods
Participants from the experimental groups were acquainted with pain ratings (presented on VASs) derived from a single person (groups 1 and 3) or a group of people (groups 2 and 4) that were allegedly subjected to the same painful procedure. The ratings of pain stimuli that were allegedly applied with placebo were lower than the ratings of stimuli applied without placebo. In two of the experimental groups (group 3 and 4), participants also watched a video recording showing individuals who allegedly provided pain ratings; however, they did not observe them undergoing pain stimulation. The control group did not undergo any manipulation. Then, the participants received a series of the same thermal pain stimuli that were applied either with or without placebo and rated their intensity.
Results
Placebo hypoalgesia was induced only in participants presented with pain ratings provided by a single person, regardless of whether this person was previously seen. However, the pain ratings presented to the participants generally decreased individual pain sensations, regardless of whether they came from a group of people or a single person.
Conclusions
Verbal modeling can produce placebo hypoalgesia and reduce pain sensations. It may be effectively used in clinical practice to modify patients’ responses to pain treatment.
from Wiley: European Journal of Pain: Table of Contents https://ift.tt/2VXDC14
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