We compared self-efficacy and response expectancy models of acute pain to determine whether belief in one's ability to regulate pain intensity and anticipated pain are related and how these expectancies contribute to pain tolerance and intensity. One hundred and twenty undergraduates completed indices of self-efficacy for tolerance, self-efficacy for regulating intensity, and response expectancy, followed by pressure stimulation. Self-efficacy for regulating intensity and response expectancy were unrelated. Self-efficacy was generally more predictive of pain responses than was response expectancy. We discuss the scientific and clinical implications for the cognitive mediation and management of acute pain.
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