Taking a break in response to pain. An experimental investigation of the effects of interruptions by pain on subsequent activity resumption

Conclusions Results indicate that activity interruptions by pain have negative consequences for the performance of an activity upon its resumption, but not more so than interruptions by non-painful stimuli. Potential explanations and avenues for future research are discussed. Implications Interrupting ongoing activities is a common response to pain. In two experiments using a novel paradigm we showed that activity interruptions by pain impair subsequent activity resumption and performance. However, this effect seems to not be specific to pain.
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research