Resilience as a moderator of pain and stress

OBJECTIVE: To study the predictive validity of the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) experimentally in relation to pain and stress. METHOD: The submaximum tourniquet method was used to induce ischemic pain and stress. Eighty-four subjects were randomized to a low- or a high stress group, and selected to a low- or a high resilience group according to their scores on the RSA. Measures of pain and stress were taken every 5 min. RESULTS: Perceived pain and stress increased significantly throughout the experimental session, but individuals scoring high on the RSA reported less pain and stress. This protection was more pronounced for the high stress group, thus supporting a protective effect of resilience as measured by the RSA. CONCLUSIONS: The predictive validity of the RSA was confirmed. Due to the positive role of these factors in pain and stress perception, it may also be a promising measure for studies on pain patients.