EFFECTS OF MANIPULATED COGNITIVE AND ATTRIBUTIONAL SET ON PAIN TOLERANCE

The effects of cognitive set and attributional set on cold-pressor pai n tolerance were investigated. Fifty subjects were given a series of p rojective tests that were used to manipulate the feedback they receive d concerning their ability to control their pain. The cognitive set wa s manipulated by telling rite positive groups (Pos) that they had the ability to deal with external stress while the negative groups (Neg) w ere informed that they had difficulty dealing with external stress. Th e attributional set was manipulated by telling subjects that the task they were about to perform depended on the person pet-forming it (Int) or on external factors (Ext). The results indicated that the Pos grou ps showed a longer duration in cold water and a strong tendency to rat e the pain as less compared to the Neg groups. Int also yielded greate r paint tolerance than Ext. The discussion focuses on the importance o f mental attitude above and beyond any specific coping techniques.