Cited by 202Optimism, Hope, and Well-beingPain Management and Placebo EffectPediatric Pain Management Techniques

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 41 of the 43 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Optimism lowers pain: Evidence of the causal status and underlying mechanisms

Open access

Hanssen, Marjolein M., Peters, Madelon L., Vlaeyen, Johan W.S., Meevissen, Yvo M.C., Vancleef, Linda M.G.·2013·Pain

DOI 10.1016/j.pain.2012.08.006

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated a relation between dispositional optimism and lower pain sensitivity, but the causal status of this link remains unclear. This study sought to test the causal status by experimentally inducing a temporary optimistic state by means of writing about and visualizing a future best possible self. In addition, we explored pain expectations and (situational) pain catastrophizing as possible underlying mechanisms of the link between optimism and pain. Seventy-nine university students participated in a cold pressor task (CPT). Before the CPT, half of them received the optimism manipulation and the other half a control manipulation. Induced optimism was related to lower pain intensity ratings during the CPT compared to the control group, thereby experimentally confirming causality. This effect was not explained by pain-related expectations about the task. Situational pain catastrophizing, however, did seem to mediate the relation between optimism and pain. This study is novel in that it confirms the causal status of optimism towards pain. Additionally, the results reveal that positive interventions might provide a useful alternative in reducing pain catastrophizing as an extremely relevant target in pain treatment.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.pain.2012.08.006

Cites

41 of 41 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

The text we found for this paper looks like another document, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The text we found for this paper looks like another document, so the self-check wasn’t run.

The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations
Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.51.6.1173 · Cited by 91,532
The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037//0003-066x.56.3.218 · Cited by 18,025
The Pain Catastrophizing Scale: Development and validation.
Sullivan, M. J. L., Bishop, S. R., & Pivik, J. (1995) · Psychological Assessment · doi:10.1037//1040-3590.7.4.524 · Cited by 8,227
Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism (and trait anxiety, self-mastery, and self-esteem): A reevaluation of the Life Orientation Test.
Scheier, M. F., Carver, C. S., & Bridges, M. W. (1994) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.67.6.1063 · Cited by 7,456
Optimism, coping, and health: Assessment and implications of generalized outcome expectancies.
Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1985) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/0278-6133.4.3.219 · Cited by 6,690 · cited 1×
“The conceptualisation of dispositional optimism as a generalized positive outcome expectancy [32] and the previously established links between expected and perceived pain intensity [9,20,23] raised the possibility of a mediation model with expected pain intensity.”
Background
Effects of optimism on psychological and physical well-being: theoretical overview and empirical update
Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1992) · Cognitive Therapy and Research · doi:10.1007/bf01173489 · Cited by 2,220
Optimism
Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2010) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.01.006 · Cited by 2,051
Upward spirals of positive emotions counter downward spirals of negativity: Insights from the broaden-and-build theory and affective neuroscience on the treatment of emotion dysfunctions and deficits in psychopathology
Garland, E. L., Fredrickson, B., Kring, A. M., Johnson, D. P., Meyer, P. S., & Penn, D. L. (2010) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.002 · Cited by 1,035
Psychological aspects of persistent pain: Current state of the science
Keefe, F. J., Rumble, M. E., Scipio, C. D., Giordano, L. A., & Perri, L. M. (2004) · The Journal of Pain · doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2004.02.576 · Cited by 954 · cited 1×
“Pain-specific negative appraisals [37] typically result in heightened levels of pain intensity [18,19,40].”
Background
How to increase and sustain positive emotion: The effects of expressing gratitude and visualizing best possible selves
Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2006) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760500510676 · Cited by 925

Flagged first, then by citations

Show all 43 references

2 of the 43 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Sorted by citations

Items 101–200 of 202

Consenso GEDOS-SECOT sobre el proceso de atención a pacientes con artrosis de rodilla e indicación de artroplastia
Ibán, M. Á. R., Tejedor, A., Garay, E. G., Revenga, C., Hermosa, J. C., Montfort, J., Peña, M. J., López‐Millán, J. M., Matamala, A. M., Capa‐Grasa, A., et al. (2017) · Revista Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología · doi:10.1016/j.recot.2017.03.006 · Cited by 12
Shifting the perspective: how positive thinking can help diminish the negative effects of pain
Boselie, J. J. L. M., & Peters, M. L. (2023) · Scandinavian Journal of Pain · doi:10.1515/sjpain-2022-0129 · Cited by 15
Self-citation
Resilience to Chronic Arthritis Pain Is Not About Stopping Pain That Will Not Stop: Development of a Dynamic Model of Effective Pain Adaptation
Sturgeon, J. A., & Zautra, A. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-22858-7_8 · Cited by 12
The Effects of Chronic Illness on Aspirations and Subjective Wellbeing
Lim, S. S. (2019) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-019-00156-0 · Cited by 12
A tale of self-transcendence: awe fosters optimism
Pan, X., & Jiang, T. (2024) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2024.2394458 · Cited by 12
Flourishing among adolescents living with chronic pain and their parents: A scoping review
Parsons, R. D., McParland, J. L., Halligan, S. L., Goubert, L., & Jordan, A. L. (2022) · Paediatric and Neonatal Pain · doi:10.1002/pne2.12088 · Cited by 10
The power of optimism: Applying a positive psychology framework to pediatric pain
Cousins, L. A., Tomlinson, R. M., Cohen, L. L., & McMurtry, C. M. (2016) · The Atrium (University of Guelph) · Cited by 11
Reviewing Psychological Practices to Enhance the Psychological Resilience Process for Individuals with Chronic Pain: Clinical Implications and Neurocognitive Findings
Çalışkan, E., & Gökkaya, F. (2025) · Current Pain and Headache Reports · doi:10.1007/s11916-025-01373-4 · Cited by 11
The effectiveness and equivalence of different versions of a brief online Best Possible Self (BPS) manipulation to temporary increase optimism and affect
Boselie, J. J. L. M., Vancleef, L. M. G., van Hooren, S., & Peters, M. L. (2023) · Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101837 · Cited by 12
Self-citation
Trialing to Pain Control: A Grounded Theory
McDonald, D. D. (2014) · Research in Nursing & Health · doi:10.1002/nur.21584 · Cited by 10
A More Pessimistic Life Orientation Is Associated With Experimental Inducibility of a Neuropathy-like Pain Pattern in Healthy Individuals
Dimova, V., Oertel, B. G., Kabakci, G., Zimmermann, M., Hermens, H., Lautenbacher, S., Ultsch, A., & Lötsch, J. (2015) · Journal of Pain · doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2015.05.004 · Cited by 11
Pain Resilience: Issues of Modeling Dynamic Adaptation in Chronic Pain
Sturgeon, J. A., & Taub, C. J. (2016) · Escritos de Psicología / Psychological Writings · doi:10.5231/psy.writ.2016.2411 · Cited by 10
Optimism and pessimism are antithetically associated with post‐operative knee function in patients’ undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Wunderlich, F., Kerahrodi, J. G., Kuchen, R., Klonschinski, T., Afghanyar, Y., Wegner, E., Drees, P., & Eckhard, L. S. (2023) · Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy · doi:10.1007/s00167-023-07434-8 · Cited by 9
Cross-sectional and Prospective Correlates of Recovery Expectancies in the Rehabilitation of Whiplash Injury
Elphinston, R. A., Thibault, P., Carrière, J. S., Rainville, P., & Sullivan, M. J. L. (2017) · Clinical Journal of Pain · doi:10.1097/ajp.0000000000000542 · Cited by 9
Acute and subacute postsurgical pain in women with breast cancer: incidence and associations with biopsychosocial predictors—a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Munk, A., Jacobsen, H. B., Schnur, J. B., Montgomery, G. H., & Rème, S. E. (2023) · PAIN Reports · doi:10.1097/pr9.0000000000001058 · Cited by 10
On the correlation between gratitude and resilience in medical students
Hahn, N., Brzoska, P., & Kiessling, C. (2024) · PubMed Central · doi:10.3205/zma001663 · Cited by 8
DEVELOPMENT AND PILOT TESTING OF A POSITIVE IMAGERY INTERVENTION WITH ONLINE SUPPORT IN THE TREATMENT OF FIBROMYALGIA
Molinari, G., Enrique, Á., Herrero, R., Fernández-Llanio Comella, N., Botella, C., & Díaz-García, A. (2017) · REVISTA ARGENTINA DE CLINICA PSICOLOGICA · doi:10.24205/03276716.2017.1031 · Cited by 8
A critical consideration of the role of mental toughness and pain in the acute pain experiences of athletes
Whitton, O. M., Bowtell, J. L., & Jones, M. I. (2020) · International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1080/1750984x.2020.1836672 · Cited by 8
The effect of optimism on the facial expression of pain: Implications for pain communication
Basten‐Günther, J., Miriam Kunz, A., Peters, M. L., & Lautenbacher, S. (2020) · European Journal of Pain · doi:10.1002/ejp.1712 · Cited by 8
Self-citation
Pain and avoidance: The potential benefits of imagining your best possible self
Gatzounis, R., & Meulders, A. (2022) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2022.104080 · Cited by 8
Associations between optimism, tobacco smoking and substanceabuse among Iranian high school students
Marin, S., Heshmatian, E., Nadrian, H., Fakhari, A., & Mohammadpourasl, A. (2019) · Health Promotion Perspectives · doi:10.15171/hpp.2019.38 · Cited by 8
Long-Term Advantages of Adolescent Optimism: Nonlinear Associations With Adult Outcomes and its Protective Role in Buffering Socioeconomic Risk
Tetzner, J., & Becker, M. (2024) · European Journal of Personality · doi:10.1177/08902070241256399 · Cited by 8
The effectiveness and mechanisms of a brief online best-possible-self intervention among young adults from mainland China
Wu, L., Hanssen, M. M., & Peters, M. L. (2023) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2023.2297204 · Cited by 7
Self-citation
Individual, Peer, and Family Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among College Students in Hong Kong
Tam, N. W. Y., Kwok, S. Y. C. L., & Gu, M. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20054304 · Cited by 7
Treating Anxiety-Based Cognitive Distortions Pertaining to Somatic Perception for Better Chronic Pain Outcomes: A Recommendation for Better Practice in the Present Day and the Cyber Age of Medicine
Silva, M. J. (2024) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm13195923 · Cited by 7
The Interrelationships Between Cognitive Biases for Pain: An Experimental Study
Ting, X., Vancleef, L. M. G., Peters, M. L., & Ryckeghem, D. M. L. V. (2024) · Journal of Pain · doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104587 · Cited by 6
Self-citation
Psychosocial Considerations in TMD
Bartley, E. J., Schmidt, J. E., Carlson, C. R., & Fillingim, R. B. (2017) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-57247-5_10 · Cited by 6
Prior Pain Exposure and Mere Possession of a Placebo Analgesic Predict Placebo Analgesia: Findings From a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial
Yeung, V. W. L., & Geers, A. L. (2020) · Journal of Pain · doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2020.10.004 · Cited by 5
Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy and Distraction on the Pain Caused by Venipuncture in Hospitalized Children: Evidence from a Clinical Trial Study
Afshar, S. K., Ghaljaei, F., Mahmoodi, N., & Payandeh, A. (2021) · Medical - Surgical Nursing Journal · doi:10.5812/msnj.113511 · Cited by 5
Identifying molecular mechanisms of acute to chronic pain transition and potential drug targets
Aravagiri, K., Ali, A., Wang, H. C., Candido, K. D., & Knežević, N. N. (2022) · Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets · doi:10.1080/14728222.2022.2137404 · Cited by 5
Hopelessness as a Mechanism of the Relationship between Physical Pain and Thoughts of Suicide: Results from Two Smartphone-Based Real-Time Monitoring Samples
Krall, H. R., Ruork, A. K., Rizvi, S. L., & Kleiman, E. M. (2024) · Cognitive Therapy and Research · doi:10.1007/s10608-024-10472-2 · Cited by 5
Preoperative Optimism Related to Low Anxiety in Patients 1 Month After Open Heart Surgery
Ai, A. L., McMullen, C. A., & Smyth, S. S. (2020) · The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease · doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000001236 · Cited by 5
Schmerzen bei Patienten mit Querschnittlähmung
Landmann, G., Chang, E. C., Dumat, W., Lutz, A., Müller, R., Scheel‐Sailer, A., Schwerzmann, K., Sigajew, N., & Ljutow, A. (2017) · Der Schmerz · doi:10.1007/s00482-017-0250-x · Cited by 6
The best possible self‐intervention as a viable public health tool for the prevention of type 2 diabetes: A reflexive thematic analysis of public experience and engagement
Gibson, B., Umeh, K. F., Davies, I. G., & Newson, L. (2021) · Health Expectations · doi:10.1111/hex.13311 · Cited by 10
Placebo- und Noceboeffekte bei Pruritus
Tekampe, J., Peerdeman, K. J., Bartels, D. J. P., van Laarhoven, A. I. M., & Evers, A. W. M. (2018) · Der Hautarzt · doi:10.1007/s00105-018-4211-9 · Cited by 5
Examining the Impact of a Resilience-Based Hope Intervention on Pain-Evoked Cortisol Response.
Hossain, N. I., Robinson, M. E., Fillingim, R. B., & Bartley, E. J. (2018) · PubMed · Cited by 4
The association of dispositional optimism and handedness with pressure pain: A cross-sectional study in the general population
Miljković, A., Pribisalić, A., Gelemanović, A., Lasić, D., Hayward, C., Polašek, O., & Kolčić, I. (2021) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2021.111265 · Cited by 4
Temporal expectancy induced by the mere possession of a placebo analgesic affects placebo analgesia: preliminary findings from a randomized controlled trial
Yeung, V. W. L. (2022) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-022-05537-9 · Cited by 3
Computer-Delivered Social Norm Message Increases Pain Tolerance
Pulvers, K. M., Schroeder, J., Limas, E. F., & Zhu, S. (2013) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-013-9547-x · Cited by 4
Is Dispositional Optimism Associated with Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors?
Schou‐Bredal, I., & Tøien, K. (2017) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2017.811116 · Cited by 4
Catastrophic Cognition Is a Stronger Predictor Than Emotional Factors of Acute Postoperative Pain in Patients With Traumatic Orthopedic Injuries
Cheng, M., Liu, H., Pu, C., Chen, G., Zhang, Y., & Yan, L. (2024) · Pain Management Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2024.06.006 · Cited by 3
Assessing future expectations and the two-dimensional model of affect in an Italian population
Corno, G., Molinari, G., & Baños, R. (2017) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.01.037 · Cited by 3
Generalization of fear of movement-related pain and avoidance behavior as predictors of work resumption after back surgery: a study protocol for a prospective study (WABS)
Masuy, R., Bamelis, L. L. M., Bogaerts, K., Depreitere, B., Smedt, K. D., Ceuppens, J., Lenaert, B., Lonneville, S., Peuskens, D., Lerbeirghe, J. V., et al. (2022) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-022-00736-5 · Cited by 3
Self-citation
Preferred Self-Administered Questionnaires to Assess Resilience, Optimism, Pain Acceptance, and Social Support in People with Pain: A Modified Delphi Study
Schroeter, A. C., MacDonald, D. A., Scholten-Peeters, G. G. M., Goubert, L., Kendall, E. A., & Coppieters, M. W. (2022) · Pain Medicine · doi:10.1093/pm/pnac074 · Cited by 3
Enhancing placebo analgesia: Unravelling the powerful interplay of ownership and verbal suggestion
Yeung, V. W. L. (2024) · European Journal of Pain · doi:10.1002/ejp.2303 · Cited by 2
GEDOS-SECOT consensus on the care process of patients with knee osteoarthritis and arthoplasty
Ibán, M. Á. R., Tejedor, A., Garay, E. G., Revenga, C., Hermosa, J. C., Montfort, J., Peña, M. J., Millán, J. M. L., Matamala, A. M., Capa‐Grasa, A., et al. (2017) · Revista Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología · doi:10.1016/j.recote.2017.08.003 · Cited by 3
Future-Directed Thinking in General and Clinical Samples: Validation of the Spanish Version of the Subjective Probability Task
Dragomir-Davis, A. M. (2014) · Repositori UJI (Universitat Jaume I) · Cited by 3
Best possible future self writing: Effects on well-being, self-regulation, and related processes
Bean, M. R. (2019) · Sheffield Hallam University · doi:10.7190/shu-thesis-00193 · Cited by 3
Stress Appraisal, Stress Mindset, and Perceived Pain During a Cold Pressor Test
Tse, H. W. Y., Hanssen, M. M., Vancleef, L. M. G., & Peters, M. L. (2025) · International Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12529-024-10346-7 · Cited by 2
Self-citation
Background pain, procedural pain and optimism are associated with pain post-discharge in burn survivors: A prospective cohort study
Balland, C. C., Loey, N. E. E. V., Hofland, H. W. C., van Meijel, B., & de Jong, A. E. E. (2025) · Burns · doi:10.1016/j.burns.2025.107669 · Cited by 2
Clinical and Forensic Standards for the Psychological Assessment of Patients with Chronic Pain
Bruns, D. L. (2014) · Psychological Injury and Law · doi:10.1007/s12207-014-9211-1 · Cited by 2
Supportive medical care in life-threatening illness: A pilot study
Young, W. C., Nadarajah, S., & Berger, A. M. (2016) · Palliative & Supportive Care · doi:10.1017/s147895151600033x · Cited by 2
The Impact of Optimism and Pain Interference on Response to Online Behavioral Treatment for Mood and Anxiety Symptoms
Morone, N. E., Belnap, B. H., Huang, Y., Abebe, K. Z., Rollman, B. L., & Jonassaint, C. R. (2021) · Psychosomatic Medicine · doi:10.1097/psy.0000000000000980 · Cited by 2
Psychophysiological correlates of pain resilience in anticipating, experiencing, and recovering from pain
Li, F., & Jackson, T. (2021) · Psychophysiology · doi:10.1111/psyp.13962 · Cited by 2
The Effect of Induced Optimism on Situational Pain Catastrophizing
Basten‐Günther, J., Peters, M. L., & Lautenbacher, S. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.900290 · Cited by 2
Self-citation
Enhancing Quality of Life: The Effects of Positive Cognitions
Gerald, C. A. (2015) · ScholarWorks (Walden University) · Cited by 2
Fostering positive emotion through self-compassion in individuals with chronic pain.
Ellsworth, M. (2018) · doi:10.18297/etd/3009 · Cited by 2
Looking at the bowl of fruit or focussing on the apples? Reply to the comments of Schueller et al.
Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G. J., Riper, H., Smit, F., & Bohlmeijer, E. (2014) · International Journal of Wellbeing · doi:10.5502/ijw.v4i1.6 · Cited by 1
Physical Health in Optimism: A Narrative Review Study
SOLAK, M. Y. F., & Anlı, G. (2026) · MANAS Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi · doi:10.33206/mjss.1585096 · Cited by 1
Psychological Flexibility In Migraine Patients: The Role Of Acceptance And Values-Based Action
Foote, H. L. W. (2013) · Cited by 1
Placebo and Nocebo Effects on Itch: Methodological and Clinical Implications
Evers, A. W. M., Peerdeman, K. J., Bartels, D. J. P., & van Laarhoven, A. I. M. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-33142-3_14 · Cited by 1
The effect of induced optimism on early pain processing: indication by contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) and the sympathetic skin response (SSR)
Basten‐Günther, J., Jutz, L., Peters, M. L., Priebe, J. A., & Lautenbacher, S. (2023) · Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience · doi:10.1093/scan/nsad042 · Cited by 1
Self-citation
Optimism, the natural placebo : cognitive, behavioural and motivational mechanisms of resilience towards pain
Hanssen, M. M. (2014) · Research Publications (Maastricht University) · doi:10.26481/dis.20141205mh · Cited by 1
Self-citation
Towards a strenghts-based approach in multidimensional frailty
van der Vorst (2018) · doi:10.26481/dis.20181206av · Cited by 1
Vaginal penetration: pain or pleasure?
Melles (2019) · doi:10.26481/dis.20190920rm · Cited by 1
CORRELATION BETWEEN OPTIMISM AND EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED PAIN
Mineva, K., Petrova, B., Petkova, M., & Nikolov, V. (2014)
Specificity of the Best Possible Self intervention for increasing optimism: Comparison with a gratitude intervention Especificidad de una intervención sobre el Mejor Self Posible para incrementar el optimismo: Comparación con una intervención de gratitud
Peters, M. L., Meevissen, Y. M. C., & Hanssen, M. M. (2013)
Self-citation
Optimisten halten Schmerzen besser aus
eo (2012) · MMW - Fortschritte der Medizin · doi:10.1007/s15006-012-1670-2
Optimistische Menschen halten Schmerzen scheinbar besser aus
Oberhofer, E. (2013) · Angewandte Schmerztherapie und Palliativmedizin · doi:10.1007/s15223-013-0183-x
Effects of psychological and social work factors on musculoskeletal pain complaints and headache
Christensen, J. O. (2014) · NORA - Norwegian Open Research Archives · doi:10.13140/rg.2.1.4974.2885
Working memory, optimism and pain: An elusive link
Jacobsen, H. B., & Rème, S. E. (2016) · Scandinavian Journal of Pain · doi:10.1016/j.sjpain.2016.06.003
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OPTIMISM AND MARKERS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETES
Smith, L. M. (2019) · Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) · doi:10.17615/4zp7-xn69
Positive Psychological Factors, Abdominal Pain and Other Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms in Emerging Adults
Tomlinson, R. C. (2014) · The Atrium (University of Guelph)
Tribal Justice SystemsPreprint
Fletcher, M. L. M. (2014) · SSRN Electronic Journal
Nuevos abordajes para el tratamiento de la fibromialgia: una intervención positiva para la promoción del optimismo mediante la utilización de TICs
Molinari, G. (2017) · doi:10.6035/14023.2017.338337
Harnessing placebo effects by targeting expectancies
Peerdeman, K. J. (2018) · Leiden Repository (Leiden University)
Psychologie bij pijn
Schreurs, K. M. G., Timmers, I., & de Jong, J. R. (2019) · Bohn Stafleu van Loghum eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-90-368-2230-5_2
Relationship Between Optimism with Extra Role Behaviors and Occupational Accidents: A Case Study Among Nurses and Nursing Aids Working in Two Hospitals in Qom City, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
Khandan, M., Arab, Z., Saadat, F., & Koohpaei, A. (2019) · Jentashapir Journal of Health Research · doi:10.5812/jjhr.89154
The Best Possible Self Intervention: Evidence for Its Efficacy in Multi-cultural Contexts
Molinari, G., Enrique, Á., Dragomir-Davis, M., & Botella, C. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-20311-5_11
Meta-analysis of the efficacy of best possible self : a positive psychology intervention
Fong, K. W. (2020) · DR-NTU (Nanyang Technological University) · doi:10.32657/10356/141392
Psychological Changes in Athletes Following Injury
Fuqua, R. (2019) · Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) · doi:10.17615/a8y5-dj07
Which Positive Psychological Intervention would work for Osteoarthritis? A study identifying positive traits that are associated with physical and psychological well-beingPreprint
Lau, L. C., Chan, J. W. K., Lau, H. C., Fan, J. C. H., Hung, Y. W., & Cheng, J. C. K. (2019) · doi:10.31234/osf.io/jbk8u
A C++ implementation of a polynomial time approximation scheme for aligning protein structures.
Chor, Y. J. (2013)
Probing and Modulating Changes in Default Mode Network Connectivity Associated with Short- and Long-Term Experimental Pain
Alhajri, N. (2023) · doi:10.54337/aau528835322
The Role of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Within the Biopsychosocial Model
Crawford, C. G., Stanley Crawford, L., Padala, P. R., Benjamin Wright, C., & Das, A. (2024) · Open Access Journal of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine · doi:10.19080/oajggm.2024.08.555734
Optimism as a predictor of poor comoliance with urate-lowering therapy in patients with gout: a prospective studyPreprint
Zhao, W., Zheng, C., Huang, Z., Huang, Y., Huang, Q., Chen, S., Liu, Y., & LI, T. W. (2024) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4467702/v1
The Effectiveness of the Best-Possible-Self Intervention in College Students from China and the Netherlands: A Cross-Cultural Study
Wu, L., Hanssen, M. M., & Peters, M. L. (2025) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-024-00855-3
Self-citation
Die Neurobiologie des Schmerzes
Bassimtabar, A. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-662-70334-2_3
Visualizing one's Best Possible Self increases positive future expectancies, but does not boost selective learning in fibromyalgia
Kloos, T., Blanco, F., Rief, W., Meulders, A., & Riecke, J. (2025) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2025.104748
Mobile-Based Mindfulness Intervention as Secondary Prevention of Chronic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Kloos, T., Elßner, A. C., Berlin, P., Rief, W., & Riecke, J. (2025) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-025-02621-9
Qualitative Analysis of the Content and Quality of Best Possible Self Narratives: Identifying Factors that Contribute to its Efficacy in Increasing State Optimism and Positive Affect
Boselie, J. J. L. M., Hanssen, M. M., Vancleef, L. M. G., & Peters, M. L. (2025) · International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology · doi:10.1007/s41042-025-00238-w
Self-citation
Die Perspektive wechseln: wie positives Denken hilft, den Schmerz zu besiegen
Boselie, J. J. L. M., & Peters, M. L. (2025) · Studien zur Resilienzforschung · doi:10.1007/978-3-658-44909-4_6
Self-citation
The Neurobiology of Pain
Bassimtabar, A. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-662-71562-8_3
The relationship between pain and hope in oncology patients
Kiebzak, W. P., Kowalski, I. M., Szpringer, M., Grzybek, P., & Żurawski, A. (2025) · Polish Annals of Medicine · doi:10.29089/paom/209898
Validity, reliability and responsiveness of the brief resilience scale (BRS) in individuals with rotator cuff related shoulder pain
Rosa, D. P., & Roy, J. (2025) · Disability and Rehabilitation · doi:10.1080/09638288.2025.2585785
Additional file 1 of Generalization of fear of movement-related pain and avoidance behavior as predictors of work resumption after back surgery: a study protocol for a prospective study (WABS)
Masuy, R., Bamelis, L. L. M., Bogaerts, K., Depreitere, B., Smedt, K. D., Ceuppens, J., Lenaert, B., Lonneville, S., Peuskens, D., Van Lerbeirghe, J., et al. (2022) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.19219083
Self-citation
Negative, but not positive, expectancies predict 10-year changes in pain outcomes for older adults with pain
Shanahan, M. L., Shanahan, B. T., Hirsh, A. T., Matthias, M. S., Stewart, J. C., & Rand, K. L. (2026) · Journal of Pain · doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2026.106194
Interactions entre la kinésiophobie, le système moteur et la modulation descendante de la douleur : adaptations et stratégies sensorimotrices face à une douleur expérimentale
Duport, A. (2024) · theses.fr (ABES) · doi:10.70675/051f4ec3z98b2z434fz9306ze4a0e3b1eaf4
Optimism and mindfulness are associated with decreased abdominal pain among adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease
Benchimol, M. Z., McMurtry, C. M., Forgeron, P. A., Stinson, J., Ricciuto, A., Rights, J. D., & Kohut, S. A. (2026) · Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1093/jcag/gwag019
Application of a cancer pain belief modification program for patients with oral cancer in China: a mixed methods study
Zheng, Y., Wang, R., Huang, X., Zheng, X., Gao, J., & Chen, S. Y. (2026) · Supportive Care in Cancer · doi:10.1007/s00520-026-10926-1

Authors: Hanssen, M. M., Peters, M. L., Vlaeyen, J. W. S., Meevissen, Y. M. C., & Vancleef, L. M. G.
Affiliations: Maastricht University (NL)
Corresponding author: Hanssen, Marjolein M.
ORCID: Hanssen, Marjolein M.
Peters, Madelon L.
Vlaeyen, Johan W.S.
Vancleef, Linda M.G.
Venue: Pain
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published: 2013-01
Volume: 154
Issue: 1
Pages: 53-58
ISSN: 0304-3959 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2012.08.006
OpenAlex: W2101216163
Cited by: 202
References: 43
Citations by year: 2026: 5 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 24 · 2013: 12
FWCI: 21.51
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl
Licence: other-oa
www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations: Pain (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Research Publications (Maastricht University) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
Lirias (KU Leuven) (submittedVersion)
Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Pain Management and Placebo Effect
Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Pediatric Pain Management Techniques
Keywords: dispositional optimism, pain sensitivity, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, pain anticipation, best possible self, cold pressor task, mediation
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Adult, Affect, Blood Pressure, Cold Temperature, Female, Humans, Male, Pain Measurement, Personality, Pain Threshold, Imagery, Psychotherapy, Young Adult, Catastrophization

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Optimism lowers pain: Evidence of the causal status and underlying mechanisms

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Self-check

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks