Publication: I expect therefore I avoid? The effects of negative expectancy learning on pain and pain-related avoidance behavior
I expect, therefore I avoid?
In two studies, researchers Gita Nadinda, Antoinette van Laarhoven, Johan Vlaeyen, Madelon Peters and Andrea Evers investigated the effects of negative expectancy learning on pain and pain-related avoidance behavior in individuals without chronic pain.
Expectancies and avoidance behavior are key factors influencing pain perception and its maintenance, but few empirical studies have investigated their relationship. In a novel pain avoidance paradigm, participants could choose to avoid a more painful stimulus by playing a difficult game, or endure more pain while playing an easier game. Findings showed that negative expectancies increased pain sensitivity (hyperalgesia), but do not necessarily lead to more pain avoidance. This suggests that while expectancies amplify pain perception, other factors may drive avoidance behavior.
These results add to growing evidence that expectancies are a powerful target for pain treatment and intervention.