Effects of False Feedback on Pain Tolerability Among Young Healthy Adults: Predictive Roles of Intentional Effort Investment and Perceived Pain Intensity

PURPOSE: Expectations and modification gained through critical learning influence pain perception. We tested how pain tolerability was influenced by the effects of orally delivered false feedback and participant status immediately prior to performing tasks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 125 healthy college students (69 females and 56 males) were randomly assigned to 3 groups (positive, negative, and control) to participate in two formal cold pressor tests (CPTs). Participants completed the same series of task-related questionnaires (perceived importance, intended effort, current affect, and self-efficacy) before each CPT. False performance feedback was delivered after completion of the baseline level CPT. After completion of each CPT, both pain intensity and pain tolerability (duration in ice water) were recorded. RESULTS: The results of linear mixed models revealed significant condition × time interactions on pain tolerability and task self-efficacy after controlling for individual variance as a random effect. Participants who received negative feedback exhibited increased pain tolerability without decreasing their self-efficacy, whereas participants who received positive feedback showed increased self-efficacy with no change in pain tolerability. A longer pain tolerance duration was also predicted by a more intentional investment of effort and a lower intensity of experienced pain as well as the effect of false feedback. CONCLUSION: The research highlights the effect of powerful situational influences on laboratory-induced pain tolerance.