Self-Control and Tolerance of Noxious Stimulation

This study investigated the effects of several behaviors as potential self-controlling devices in the tolerance of a noxious stimulus. In a cold-pressor test, experimental groups were instructed: (1) to expect severe pain; (2) to verbalize aloud their momentary experiences; (3) to use a clock for setting a goal for tolerance; or (4) to view and describe slides, in order to enhance tolerance of the ice water. Duration of tolerance differed significantly, with a descending order of mean tolerance in groups (4), (3), (1), control, (2). Posttest questionnaires revealed varying use of other self-controlling mechanisms in the groups. The utility of Skinner's paradigm for the study of self-control was discussed.