Social Support and Experimental Pain

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this experimental study was to supplement and expand on clinical research demonstrating that the provision of social support is associated with lower levels of acute pain. METHODS: Undergraduates (52 men and 49 women) performed the cold pressor task either alone or accompanied by a friend or stranger who provided active support, passive support, or interaction. Pain perception was measured on a 10-point scale. RESULTS: Participants in the active support and passive support conditions reported less pain than participants in the alone and interaction conditions, regardless of whether they were paired with a friend or stranger. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the presence of an individual who provides passive or active support reduces experimental pain.