Abstract
The ability of choice of treatments to enhance tolerance to pain was investigated. Results showed that subjects who were given a choice of coping strategies tolerated the cold pressor for a longer period of time than those not given a choice. The mechanism by which choice exerts its influence, however, remains unknown. In contrast to our predictions, having a choice of treatments did not increase perceptions of treatment credibility or a sense of self-efficacy. Post hoc analyses revealed that subjects who were not given a choice, but who were nevertheless assigned to their preferred treatment, did not differ from subjects given a choice on tolerance time, but reported less pain and found the treatment more credible than subjects given a choice. The mechanisms by which choice influences treatment outcomes, including the nature and role of treatment preferences, require further investigation.
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Thanks to Paul Westerholm for his help in data collection. Special thanks to Russell Glasgow for his formative ideas on this topic, to James Council and Ruth Maki for their thoughtful input, and to those involved in the editorial and review process for their helpful comments. Portions of this paper were presented at the 1989 AABT Convention, in Washington, DC.
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Rokke, P.D., Lall, R. The role of choice in enhancing tolerance to acute pain. Cogn Ther Res 16, 53–65 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01172956
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01172956