Computer-Delivered Social Norm Message Increases Pain Tolerance

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?η _p ² ?=?.10 and pain threshold F(1, 244)?=?9.81, p?=?.002, η _p 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.