Thought Suppression, Catastrophizing, and Pain1

This study examined the effects of thought suppression, prior to an experimental pain procedure, on subsequent pain experience. The study also examined the role of thought intrusions in mediating the relation between (1) thought suppression and pain, and (2) catastrophizing and pain. Catastrophizers (n = 34) and noncatastrophizers (n = 36) made pain ratings while one arm was immersed in ice water. Prior to the ice water immersion, half the participants were asked to suppress procedure-related thoughts, and the remainder were asked to record their ongoing thoughts. The results showed that thought suppression and catastrophizing were associated with heightened pain experience. The frequency of thought intrusions mediated the relation between suppression condition and pain, but not between catastrophizing and pain. The discussion addresses the mechanisms by which thought intrusions may contribute to pain experience.