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Estimating Pain in Others

This is the first study to look at how patients who catastrophize pain see or perceive pain in others. Pain catastrophizing is a term used to describe a particular response to pain. The person thinks about the pain often. This is referred to as rumination. The experience is magnified until the patient feels helpless because of the pain. Their perception of pain is greater than someone who does not catastrophize.

In this study 60 college students watched videos of 11 subjects as the subjects' arms were put in cold water for one minute. The film clips showed the subject's entire body and response to the cold. The subjects rated and reported their own pain every 20 seconds during the one minute the arm was in the water. Observers also rated the subjects' pain without knowing what the actual (self-reported) ratings were.

The authors say there was a general trend to underestimate pain by the observers. The observers relied on facial cues more than body movement to rate the subjects' pain. Facial pain scores were actually poor indicators of the self-reported pain given by the subjects. The observers who catastrophized were more accurate compared to others who underestimated pain.

The results of this study show that people who score high on tests of pain catastrophizing have more intense pain themselves. They see other people as having greater pain too. Scientists may be able to use this information for future studies related to caregiving. Pain perception may have an impact on caregiving behavior.

References: M. J. L. Sullivan, et al. Catastrophic Thinking and Heightened Perception of Pain in Others. In Pain. July 2006. Vol. 123. No. 1-2. Pp. 37-44.

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