Experimentally induced anger, cardiovascular reactivity, and pain sensitivity

It was investigated whether an angry state, induced by a computer task with harassing comments, would lead to a decrease in cold pressor pain threshol d and tolerance in comparison to a neutral situation. It was hypothesized t hat an increase in cardiovascular activity might partially mediate effects of anger. Furthermore, it was examined whether subjects given the opportuni ty to express anger would show reduced cardiovascular activity and pain rep ort compared to subjects not given this opportunity. Finally, trait measure s for anger expression style and hostility were included. The results show an increase instead of the expected decrease in pain tolerance for subjects in the harassment condition compared to those in the neutral condition. Wh ile cardiovascular reactivity was positively related to pain threshold and tolerance, increased anger was associated with increased pain report. It is suggested that anger and cardiovascular reactivity may have important but sometimes opposing influences on pain. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All r ights reserved.