TY - JOUR
T1 - Observational Learning and Pain-Related Fear: Exploring Contingency Learning in an Experimental Study Using Colored Warm Water Immersions
AU - Helsen, Kim
AU - Goubert, Liesbet
AU - Vlaeyen, Johan W. S.
PY - 2013/7
Y1 - 2013/7
N2 - This study investigated observational learning of pain-related fear and subsequent extinction after first-hand exposure to the feared stimulus. Moreover, the specific contingencies that are learned when observing others in pain were explored. A differential fear-conditioning paradigm was used, showing video models displaying either a painful (CS+ color; aversively conditioned stimulus) or a neutral (CS color; neutrally conditioned stimulus) facial expression in the presence of a colored warm water task (WWT; observation phase). In 1 condition (open WWT cover), the model's hand was immersed in the colored liquid, while in the other condition (closed WWT cover), no contact was displayed between the model and the liquid. During exposure, participants subsequently immersed their own hand into each WWT with equal temperatures. Results revealed successful acquisition of pain-related fear. Participants with higher levels of pain catastrophizing, intolerance of uncertainty, trait fear of pain, or dispositional empathy were more prone to develop pain-related fear. Pain-related fear extinguished quickly after direct exposure to both WWTs. Contingencies between the color of the WWT and either the painful facial expressions or the assumed properties of the colored liquid were learned in both conditions. Clinical implications and limitations of the current study are discussed, providing avenues for future research in observational learning of pain-related fear. Perspective: Pain-related fear promotes the development as well as the continuation of chronic pain. A better understanding of the acquisition and extinction of this fear may help to improve pain treatment programs. Furthermore, we intended to identify individuals who are more prone to develop pain-related fear.
AB - This study investigated observational learning of pain-related fear and subsequent extinction after first-hand exposure to the feared stimulus. Moreover, the specific contingencies that are learned when observing others in pain were explored. A differential fear-conditioning paradigm was used, showing video models displaying either a painful (CS+ color; aversively conditioned stimulus) or a neutral (CS color; neutrally conditioned stimulus) facial expression in the presence of a colored warm water task (WWT; observation phase). In 1 condition (open WWT cover), the model's hand was immersed in the colored liquid, while in the other condition (closed WWT cover), no contact was displayed between the model and the liquid. During exposure, participants subsequently immersed their own hand into each WWT with equal temperatures. Results revealed successful acquisition of pain-related fear. Participants with higher levels of pain catastrophizing, intolerance of uncertainty, trait fear of pain, or dispositional empathy were more prone to develop pain-related fear. Pain-related fear extinguished quickly after direct exposure to both WWTs. Contingencies between the color of the WWT and either the painful facial expressions or the assumed properties of the colored liquid were learned in both conditions. Clinical implications and limitations of the current study are discussed, providing avenues for future research in observational learning of pain-related fear. Perspective: Pain-related fear promotes the development as well as the continuation of chronic pain. A better understanding of the acquisition and extinction of this fear may help to improve pain treatment programs. Furthermore, we intended to identify individuals who are more prone to develop pain-related fear.
KW - Observational learning
KW - pain-related fear
KW - contingency learning
KW - fear acquisition
KW - fear extinction
U2 - 10.1016/j.jpain.2013.01.771
DO - 10.1016/j.jpain.2013.01.771
M3 - Article
C2 - 23582378
SN - 1526-5900
VL - 14
SP - 676
EP - 688
JO - The Journal of Pain
JF - The Journal of Pain
IS - 7
ER -