The Effects of Induced-Pain on PASAT Performance

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between cold-pressor induced-pain, psychological variables, and performance on the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). A mixed-measures ANOVA was performed to assess the effects of induced-pain on PASAT performance. The results revealed a significant difference within-subjects for pre and post PASAT as well as a significant interaction effect between condition and PASAT performance; suggesting that induced pain was associated with impaired scores. A linear regression showed that participants' initial reaction to cold-pressor pain was moderated by their desire to disengage from pain which predicted performance.