Abstract
Examined the effects of having models dissimulate different levels of pain susceptibility on Os' pain thresholds. 30 male undergraduates and a confederate model ostensibly received identical electric shocks, increasing from an undetectable level in increments of .5 ma. up to the level at which the S reported pain. Making responses contingent upon the S's ratings, the model either delayed or hastened advances along a 5-point rating scale of the severity of the experience. Observing a model tolerate pain led to pain thresholds more than 3 times greater than the thresholds reported by Ss observing a model who was less tolerant. Findings are discussed in the context of the effects of social influences on pain reports and theories of vicarious experience. (22 ref.)
