Social Modeling Interventions for Enhancing Placebo Effect

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byTor D Wager, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Trustees of Dartmouth College

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?In this experiment, the investigators study the brain pathways underlying several promising context interventions that enhance the strength of placebo effects. Specifically, the investigators examine the separate and joint effects of two of the most powerful context interventions: Social modeling-observing someone else being effectively treated-and prior treatment success or failure experiences. Participants will be randomized into 4 groups (Social modeling: observed success vs. observed failure and Conditioning: experienced success vs. experienced failure). The objectives are to investigate the placebo effect on pain relief and aversive image stimuli between and within-subjects. Each group will undergo a behavioral induction phase, fMRI placebo test phase, and an identical 3-month follow up fMRI placebo test phase. Follow-up assessment will provide some of the first evidence on predictors of the durability of placebo and context interventions.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking individuals without psychiatric/neurological disorders, substance abuse history, or pathological pain. They must be able to perform tasks and undergo fMRI scans, not have metal implants, and abstain from alcohol/substances before the study.

Inclusion Criteria

I can read and cooperate with an fMRI exam.

No reported substance abuse within the last six months

I am a fluent or native English speaker.

+5 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have metal in my body or have worked with metal fragments.

You were born with a brain condition like cerebral palsy.

I have a neuroendocrine disorder like Cushing's disease.

+25 more

Participant Groups

The study examines how social modeling (observing treatment outcomes in others) and personal treatment experiences affect placebo effects on pain relief. Participants are divided into four groups to observe these effects using behavioral tests and fMRI scans over three months.

4Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Observed Success - Experienced SuccessExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

This participant group (N=30) will witness a successful placebo during the "observation phase" (i.e. the demonstrator will display reduced pain expressions after receiving the cream) and experience a successful placebo during the "experience phase" (i.e. the experimenter will reduce the intensity of the pain stimuli after applying the cream).

Group II: Observed Success - Experienced FailureExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

This participant group (N=30) will witness a successful placebo during the "observation phase" (i.e. the demonstrator will not display reduced pain expressions after receiving the cream) and experience a failed placebo during the "experience phase" (i.e. the experimenter will not reduce the intensity of the pain stimuli after applying the cream).

Group III: Observed Failure - Experienced SuccessExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Group IV: Observed Failure - Experienced FailureExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

This participant group (N=30) will witness a failed placebo during the "observation phase" (i.e. the demonstrator will not display reduced pain expressions after receiving the cream) and experience a failed placebo during the "experience phase" (i.e. the experimenter will not reduce the intensity of the pain stimuli after applying the cream).