EFFECTS OF PAIN-INCOMPATIBLE IMAGERY ON TOLERANCE OF PAIN, HEART-RATE, AND SKIN RESISTANCE

Imagery is an important component in strategies for coping with pain. In this study, we examined, whether imagery influences tolerance for p ain and whether subjects, trained in pain-incompatible imagery differ in heart rate and skin resistance from these in a control group during a pain-induction session. 39 subjects were randomly assigned to two g roups: imagery and control. Both groups had two pain-induction session s. At intake into the study (t(1)). Pain Tolerance and Psychophysiolog ical Reaction to Pain were assessed using a pressure algometer. After the first session, the experimental group received 1 hr. of training i n pain-incompatible imagery. Seven days later, the session was repeate d (t(2)). The results showed that Pain Tolerance was significantly inc reased in the group who used pain-incompatible imagery. One might foll ow the notion that increased Pain Tolerance is associated with increas ed Psychophysiological Pain Reaction, but results suggest the contrary . Subjects trained in pain-incompatible imagery had lower heart rates during the second pain induction than the control group. Groups did no t differ with regard to skin resistance. It can be stated that besides information, cues on coping with pain may be helpful in clinical prac tice.