Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:16
Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing to Characterize Central Pain Processing
Published on: February 16, 2017
Individual dynamics in stress-related pain responses
Joren Vyverman1, Inge Timmers2, Stefanie H Meeuwis3
1Spine, Head and Pain Research Unit Ghent, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Pain in Motion International Research Consortium, Ghent University, Belgium.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|July 21, 2026
Summary
This study found no direct link between individual stress reactivity and pain sensitivity changes. However, a trend suggested that higher pain catastrophizing and fear might influence how stress affects pain thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Pain Research
- Stress Physiology
Background:
- Stress and pain systems are bidirectionally linked and influenced by common factors.
- Individual differences in stress reactivity and pain sensitivity interactions are not fully understood.
- This study explored the relationship between physiological stress responses and pain perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how physiological reactivity to acute stress relates to trait pain-related distress.
- To examine stress-induced changes in pain sensitivity.
- To determine if pain-related distress moderates the stress-pain relationship.
Main Methods:
- 148 healthy males completed questionnaires on pain-related distress.
- Physiological measures (blood pressure, pulse, alpha-amylase, cortisol) and pain thresholds were assessed.
- The Maastricht Acute Stress Task (MAST) or a placebo version was administered.
Main Results:
- Trait pain-related distress did not correlate with physiological stress reactivity.
- Stress-induced changes in pain sensitivity varied greatly but were not linked to stress reactivity.
- A trend indicated that higher pain catastrophizing/fear might correlate with increased pain thresholds following stress.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between stress, pain-related distress, and pain sensitivity is complex and individual-specific.
- Stable individual differences may influence stress-pain interactions beyond physiological responses.
- Further research is needed to replicate trend-level findings and tailor chronic pain treatments.
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