Acute Pain Differentially Impacts Problem Solving in an Analogue Setting
Year: 2020
Type: preprint
Abstract: Despite the documented detrimental effects of chronic pain across a variety of psychosocial domains, its effects on diverse aspects of cognitive ability remain open to further exploration. Of particular note, pain often interferes with higher-order functions, such as memory, attention, and concentration, required for effective goal pursuit. The present study examined, in a controlled laboratory setting, the impact of induced (acute) pain on two types of problem solving. Participants attempted algebra and compound remote associates problems while either in acute pain (induced via a pressure algometer) or in a non-pain condition. Results indicated that pain had a detrimental impact on both types of problem solving. Further probing revealed that, for a subset of participants, pain either yielded no effect or actually facilitated problem solving. For participants demonstrating the facilitating effects of induced pain, it appears that the pain induction may have promoted more effective solution processes. Specifically, when working on algebra problems, participants showing pain facilitation effects reported more analytically derived (i.e., step-by-step) solutions. For compound remote associate problems, pain tended to facilitate the use of more insight-oriented solutions. We discuss the implications of these findings and consider future research directions.
Source: PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Authors: Derek Ellis, Matthew Kyle Robison, Paul Karoly, Gene Brewer
Institution: Arizona State University
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3161981905