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Film summary
Watch the extraordinary outcome of a laboratory experiment in which participants are given electric shocks. How does anticipation of pain or the use of placebos affect the pain the participants feel?Key facts
- Our brains affect how much pain we feel.
- If we expect something to hurt a lot, it is likely to feel more painful.
- If we expect something not to hurt, we may be able to withstand greater pain.
- The relationship between expectation and pain can be demonstrated in experiments using electric shocks.
Transcript
Can our brains alter how much pain we can feel?
Professor Tony Dickenson has devised an experiment using electric shocks.
If we are expecting something to hurt, will it feel more painful?
Half the volunteers are given a tablet that they are told will make them feel more pain.
Brown pill – expect more ...
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