Time perception and pain: Can a temporal illusion reduce the intensity of pain?

Author(s)

Maia, Vanessa S. Z. ; Silva, Catarina Movio ; de Paula Oliveira, Inaeh ; da Silva Oliveira, Victoria Regina ; Dale, Camila Squarzoni ; Baptista, Abrahao Fontes ; Caetano, Marcelo S. S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: LEARNING & BEHAVIOR; v. 51, n. 3, p. 11-pg., 2023-02-25.

Abstract

It is commonly known-and previous studies have indicated-that time appears to last longer during unpleasant situations. This study examined whether a reciprocal statement can be made-that is, whether changes in the perception of time can influence our judgment (or rating) of a negative event. We used a temporal illusion method (Pomares et al. Pain 152, 230-234, 2011) to induce distortions in the perception of time. Two stimuli were presented for a constant time: a full clock, which stayed on the screen until its clock hand completed a full rotation (360 degrees); and a short clock, in which the clock hand moved just three-quarters of the way (270 degrees), thus suggesting a reduced interval duration. However, both stimuli were shown for the same amount of time. We specifically investigated (a) whether we could induce a temporal illusion with this simple visual manipulation, and (b) whether this illusion could change participants' ratings of a painful stimulus. In Experiment I (n = 22), to answer (a) above, participants were asked to reproduce the duration in which the different clocks were presented. In Experiment II (n = 30), a painful thermal stimulation was applied on participants' hands while the clocks were shown. Participants were asked to rate the perceived intensity of their pain, and to reproduce its duration. Results showed that, for both experiments, participants reproduced a longer interval after watching the full clock compared with the short clock, confirming that the clock manipulation was able to induce a temporal illusion. Furthermore, the second experiment showed that participants rated the thermal stimuli as less painful when delivered with the short clock than with the full clock. These findings suggest that temporal distortions can modulate the experience of pain. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/18483-1 - Photobiomodulation as complementary therapy in the treatment of diabetic wounds: effects on exteroceptive pain sensitivity, healing process and possible molecular mechanisms
• Grantee: Victória Regina da Silva Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/50909-8 - INCT 2014: Behavior, Cognition and Teaching (INCT-ECCE): relational learning and symbolic functioning
• Grantee: Deisy das Graças de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/14560-1 - "Neuropathic pain prevalence in diabetic patients, validation of pain screening instruments, correlation with cutaneous neuropathology, TNF alpha-gene polymorphism, tissular cicatricial process and effect of photobiomodulation therapy"
• Grantee: Camila Squarzoni Dale
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/25795-2 - Evaluation of computerized teaching protocols
• Grantee: Marcelo Salvador Caetano
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants