THOUGHT SUPPRESSION, CATASTROPHIZING, AND PAIN

This study examined the effects of thought suppression, prior to an ex perimental pain procedure, on subsequent pain experience. The study al so examined the role of thought intrusions in mediating the relation b etween (1) thought suppression and pain, and (2) catastrophizing and p ain. Catastrophizers (n = 34) and noncatastrophizers (n = 36) made pai n ratings while one arm was immersed in ice water Prior to the ice wat er immersion, half the participants were asked to suppress procedure-r elated thoughts, and the remainder were asked to record their ongoing thoughts. The results showed that thought suppression and catastrophiz ing were associated with heightened pain experience. The frequency of thought intrusions mediated the relation between suppression condition and pain, but not between catastrophizing and pain. The discussion ad dresses the mechanisms by which thought intrusions may contribute to p ain experience.