Does Level of Social Support During Rejection Affect Pain Sensitivity and Distress?

Abstract

This study investigated whether level of social support would decrease emotional distress and physical pain sensitivity following rejection. Healthy undergraduate students received varying levels of social support from a close companion during the Partial Future Life Alone rejection paradigm. Participants also completed baseline and post-stressor measures of physical pain sensitivity as well as post-stressor measures of emotional distress. Results indicated that all levels of social support benefited rejected participants by either buffering and/or improving fundamental needs, mood, and pain to levels comparable to non-rejected participants; however, passive support resulted in the fewest beneficial outcomes. The current study provides preliminary evidence that even minimal levels of support during rejection benefits or at least neutralizes associated pain and distress outcomes.