• Johanna Basten-Günther, Miriam Kunz, Madelon Peters, and Stefan Lautenbacher.
• Physiological Psychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany.
• Eur J Pain. 2021 Apr 1; 25 (4): 817-830.

BackgroundThere is a broad range of evidence on optimism dampening the pain experience, as assessed by subjective self-report. Facial expression of pain conveys supplementary information about the pain experience, is an integral part of pain communication and assists psychosocial pain coping. Nevertheless, the effect of induced optimism on facial activity during pain has to our knowledge not been examined.MethodsIn our experiment, 40 healthy participants underwent two blocks of thermal stimulation containing phasic non-painful and painful stimuli. Between the two blocks, the Best Possible Self imagery and writing task was performed to induce situational optimism, while a control group wrote about their typical day. Facial activity and self-report ratings of intensity and unpleasantness were recorded. Facial activity was analysed using the Facial Action Coding System.ResultsThe optimism manipulation was successful in increasing state optimism. It did not affect self-report ratings, but resulted in a stronger facial expression of pain, caused especially by increases in Action Units 4 (furrowed brows) and 6_7 (narrowed eyes).ConclusionsAll Action Units, which were affected by the optimism induction, are known to be prevalent during pain stimulation. The increase in facial expression might reflect reduced inhibition of pain communication in temporarily optimistic participants. Optimism might lead to expecting positive and helpful reactions from others and, by that, to great readiness to elicit these reactions by non-verbal social behaviour.SignificanceThis study is the first to indicate that state optimism increases the facial expression of pain as a social signal for help and empathy without concomitant changes in the subjective pain experience.© 2020 The Authors. European Journal of Pain published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Pain Federation - EFIC®.

6 keywords...

hide…