EFFECTS OF NONDIRECTIVE SUGGESTIONS ON PAIN TOLERANCE, PAIN THRESHOLDAND PAIN INTENSITY PERCEPTION

In this experiment, we followed the issue whether nondirective suggest ions have an effect on pain threshold, pain tolerance, and perception of pain intensity. 48 healthy subjects consented to take part. At inta ke into the study (t(1)), pain threshold and pain tolerance were asses sed in all subjects using a pressure algometer. Perception of maximum pin intensity perception was rated on a scale of 0 to 25. Seven days l ater, the session was repeated (t(2)) Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received nondirective suggestions as p retreatment. Subjects listened to a tape of 20 min. which consisted of general information about pain theory. In this context, suggestions f or coping with pain were placed. The other group served as a control a nd received no pretreatment. Analysis showed that pain tolerance was s ignificantly prolonged in the group who received nondirective suggesti ons, while pain threshold and perception of maximum pain intensity did not differ across groups. This study demonstrates that nondirective s uggestions are effective in prolonging pain tolerance. It can be state d that, beside information, cues on coping with pain may be helpful in clinical practice.