The role of prayer in race differences in pain sensitivity

Abstract

Compared to White individuals, Black individuals demonstrate a lower tolerance for experimental pain. Previous studies also suggest that prayer mediates the race difference in pain tolerance such that Black individuals pray more than White individuals with praying being associated with decreased pain tolerance. However, prayer as it has been studied in relation to pain is a passive coping strategy. Therefore, it is unclear whether prayer in and of itself is driving this relationship or whether it is due to the passive nature of the prayer. The purpose of the current study was to examine the interaction between prayer and race on experimental pain tolerance. Healthy undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of three prayer groups: active prayer, passive prayer, and no prayer. Participants were instructed to continually repeat a specified prayer while undergoing a cold pressor task measuring pain tolerance. Results of a 2 (Race: White vs. Black) X 3 (Prayer: active vs. passive vs. none) between-subjects ANOVA indicated there were no significant main effects of race [F(1,202) = 1.01; p = .32] or prayer [F(2,202) = 1.99; p = .14] on tolerance and no race X prayer interaction [F(2,202) = .37; p = .69]. However, a visual inspection of the means trended in the expected direction with those engaged in active prayer demonstrating longer tolerance (M = 53.77; SD = 49.96) than those engaged in passive prayer (M = 40.94; SD = 36.11) and no prayer (M = 41.63; SD = 40.84). These results suggest that the nature of prayer may influence its effect on pain outcomes. This is consistent with the literature which suggest that, compared to passive strategies, active coping strategies are associated with improved pain outcomes. These results may inform psychosocial pain treatments, especially for individuals who endorse the use of prayer as a coping strategy. Providers may consider encouraging patients to adopt a more active style of prayer in order to facilitate pain self-management.