Emotions and thoughts associated with pain

The intention of this study is to replicate a study that has been conducted by
Sullivan et al. (2004) to test the predictions of the communal coping model.
The study was designed to assess whether the social context of a pain
experience impacted on the relation between catastrophizing and duration of
pain behaviour and coping strategies.
In our study, we want to take the design of Sullivan et al. (2004) a step
further, and not only concentrate on the predictions of the communal coping
model, but also include the predictions of the appraisal model. Where in the
communal coping model the social context is expected to influence the relation
between catastrophizing and pain, the appraisal model beholds that status for
the concept of threat.
To determine which of these models provides the best model for the
conceptualisation of pain catastrophizing, it is important to have a closer
look at the distinguishing aspects between these models, and at the theoretical
insights gathered through pain research until now.
In a laboratory induced pain experiment with a non-clinical population, the
basic hypotheses derived from both models will be addressed to answer the
following research question: *Should we better use a communal coping model or
an appraisal model in the conceptualisation of catastrophizing and pain?* A
more formal question might be :* Which of both models* (communal coping model
or appraisal model) predictions is best supported in a comparative experiment
with laboratory induced pain?*

The aim of this study is to gather more insight on which model might provide a
suitable theoretical framework for the conceptualisation of pain-related
catastrophizing.

This study will have an experimental design.

Acold pressor procedure is executed during this experiment. Ice water will act
as pain stimulus. This stimulus has repeatedly proved its benefits being used
in many pain experiments including the experiment of Sullivan (2004) that will
be replicated in this study. Ice water immersion has also been proven to be a
stimulus that elicits facial expression (Sullivan, 2004). The immersion will
have a duration of 1 minute. During the immersion of 1 minute and the first
minute post-immersion pain intensity, pain behaviour and the duration of pain
behaviour will be measured. Pain behaviour will be distinguished in pain
behaviour with a communicative function and pain behaviour with a management
function. Coping strategies that are used by the participants during the
immersion will be inquired after the immersion.

Comparable research shows that there are no risks to the cold pressor
procedure.
The cold pressor procedure can be experienced as unpleasant. It is possible
that participants feel a light tingle in the non-dominant arm after immersion.
This will gradually disappear.
If participants develop complaints after the experiment they can consult an
independent doctor.

The burden for the participant will be limited to a total of 45 minutes
(including the cold pressor procedure and the time needed to fill in the
questionnaires