Exploring how gratitude affects pain responses
Examination of Psychological and Physiological Pathways Linking Gratitude and Pain and the Moderating Effects of COMT Genotype on These Associations
This study is testing whether writing about gratitude can change how people feel and respond to pain compared to writing about neutral topics.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Black Hills State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Spearfish, South Dakota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06317844 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to investigate the impact of a brief gratitude intervention on individuals' psychological and physiological reactions to acute pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a gratitude writing condition or a neutral writing condition while undergoing a cold pressor task. The study will also explore how genetic variations related to pain and psychological processes may influence these responses. By examining these pathways, the research seeks to understand the connection between positive emotions and pain perception.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 and older who are currently pain-free.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain conditions or those with specific medical exclusions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into non-pharmacological approaches to managing acute pain through psychological interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of gratitude interventions and acute pain is less explored, similar studies have shown positive outcomes in using psychological approaches to manage pain.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * must be pain-free * must be at least 18 years old Exclusion Criteria: * cardiovascular disease * Raynaud's disease * epilepsy * being pregnant * having a current injury to or open cut or sore on one's non-dominant hand * history of fainting or seizures * history of frostbite in non-dominant hand * chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia, neuropathy, arthritis) * diabetes * malignant tumor * chronic lung disease * liver disease * kidney disease * gastrointestinal diseases * currently taking opioids
Where this trial is running
Spearfish, South Dakota
- Black Hills State University — Spearfish, South Dakota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nathan Deichert, PhD — Black Hills State University
- Study coordinator: Nathan T Deichert, PhD
- Email: nathan.deichert@bhsu.edu
- Phone: 6056426544
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.