Music and Auditory Distraction Reduce Pain: Emotional or Attentional Effects?

Authors

  • Nicolas Silvestrini PhD
  • Valérie Piguet MD
  • Christine Cedraschi PhD
  • Marcel R. Zentner PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v3i4.339

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of pleasant and unpleasant classical music on experimental pain, compared to silence and to an auditory attention task. Pain measurements were assessed with the nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR), pain ratings, and the cold pressor test on 20 healthy nonmusician participants in a within-participant design. Results indicated that, in comparison to silence and to the unpleasant music, pleasant music increased pain tolerance to the cold pressor test, and decreased pain ratings asso- ciated with the NFR but did not reduce the NFR itself. Furthermore, the auditory attention task had pain-reducing effects comparable with those of pleasant music. The findings are discussed with respect to possible underlying mechanisms involving emotions and distraction elicited by music and auditory stimulations.

Author Biographies

Nicolas Silvestrini, PhD

Nicolas Silvestrini, PhD, is a postdoctorate at the University of Geneva.

Valérie Piguet, MD

Valérie Piguet, MD, is the head doctor and codirector of the Multidisciplinary Pain Center of the Geneva University Hospital.

Christine Cedraschi, PhD

Christine Cedraschi, PhD, is a psychologist in the Multidisciplinary Pain Centre of the Geneva University Hospital.

Marcel R. Zentner, PhD

Marcel R. Zentner, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of York.

Issue

Section

Full Length Articles