The Journal of Pain Research has published the original research "Nocebo hyperalgesia: contributions of social observation and body-related cognitive styles".
As corresponding author Elisabeth Vögtle says "This study shows that the observation of a person in pain alone can lead to nocebo hyperalgesia in the observer. Moreover, the unexplained administration of an intervention can lead to an elevated pain experience. This should be taken into account in medical practice and research. The nocebo hyperalgesia did not depend on variables like pain catastrophizing, somatic complaints, hypochondriacal concerns or empathy with the observed person."
As Dr. Michael Schatman, Editor-in-Chief, explains "This study is noteworthy in its contribution to the poorly understood concept of nocebo hyperalgesia."
Source: Dove Medical Press