INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DISTRACTION IN THE CONTROL OF COLD-PRESSOR PAINAS A FUNCTION OF HYPNOTIZABILITY

The effectiveness of different pain-distraction tasks was compared as a function of level of hypnotizability, using the cold-presser pain-te sting procedure. Selected high, medium, or low hypnotizable participan ts first underwent a 1-minute baseline immersion of a hand in ice wate r, with periodic pain ratings. Independent groups were then given 4-mi nute test immersions under one of five conditions. Analgesia suggestio n and guided imagery were conceived to be internal distractors, wherea s word memory and pursuit-rotor tasks were external distractors. Place bo-control groups were given permission to let their minds wander. All four experimental treatments reduced pain significantly for highly hy pnotizable participants, compared to the control group, whereas none o f the experimental treatments were effective for low hypnotizables. Th e different treatment instructions did not produce different preimmers ion anxiety state ratings, so the treatment effects on pain ratings co uld not be explained in terms of their effects on anxiety. It appears that high hypnotizables are more effective than low hypnotizables at d iverting attention to control pain, regardless of whether internal or external distractor tasks are used. Treatment effects on pain ratings did not change between 1 and 4 minutes of test immersion.