The Effect of Nonverbal Vocalisations on Pain Tolerance

Overview

Humans produce non-verbal vocalizations (shouting, growling, screaming), laughter, ...) in various contexts that are likely to perform biological functions. and important social issues. Yet despite their importance in the human vocal repertoire, the mechanisms and functions of non-verbal vocalizations remain little studied and poorly understood including in humans. In this context, the investigators wish to examine how the production of vocalizations non-verbal communication influences pain tolerance in healthy adults.

Humans produce nonverbal vocalisations such as screams, grunts, roars, cries and laughter across a variety of contexts. Yet despite the prominence and apparent importance of these nonverbal sounds in human communication, the investigators still know very little about their influence on human perception and behaviour. That's why, in this study, the investigators will examine specifically the influence of nonverbal vocal production on pain tolerance. The remainder of the study will involve up to three trials of a pain tolerance (cold pressor) task, during which the investigators will ask participants to produce vocalisations (e.g., screams or words) while submerging the participant's hand in bath of circulating cold water. The results of the study will contribute to our theoretical understanding of the functions of nonverbal vocal communication in humans, in particular the influence of nonverbal vocal production (i.e., yelling) on pain tolerance.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Central Contacts