Covert positive reinforcement and pain modification: a test of efficacy and theory.

The effects of covert positive reinforcement, covert positive reinforcement plus positive expectancy, covert positive reinforcement plus negative expectancy, covert positive reinforcement of pain, attention placebo and no treatment on control of headache and finger pressure pain were examined. Self-report, behavioural and physiological measures were taken. Groups did not differ on any measures except for validity checks of the expectancy manipulation. The results provide little support for the efficacy of covert positive reinforcement in modifying pain. Additionally, the data failed to substantiate the theoretical basis of the procedure.