Would you like to participate in a study on different emotional states?
We are looking for participants for a study on how various emotional states can affect sensitivity to pressure in different parts of the body. Participation takes about 20 minutes and you will receive a lunch voucher as a thank you. Contact: helena.gunnarsson@lnu.se.
What is the project about?
Chronic pain is a condition that causes a lot of suffering for affected individuals. The purpose of this project is to investigate if different emotional states can affect sensitivity to pressure in different parts of the body in healthy, pain-free individuals, while they hold their hand in cold water.
Who can participate in the study?
To participate in the study, you must be over 18 years old, be free of pain, and have proficiency in the Swedish language. You must not have any known neurological diseases.
When, where, and how will the study be conducted?
The study will be conducted at Linnaeus University in Växjö during autumn semester 2025 and spring semester 2026. It has been reviewed and approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority.
Your participation will involve watching various film clips while holding your hand in cold water. The test leader will then apply pressure to a muscle in the neck region and a muscle on your leg, using a rubber tile. Holding your hand in cold water may cause your hand to feel sore, but you decide for yourself how long you want to hold your hand there and you should stop applying pressure to the muscles when you feel the slightest discomfort.
Your participation is estimated to take 20–25 minutes and as a thank you for your assistance, you will receive a lunch voucher at Restaurang Kristina.
Contact
Are you interested in participating or would like to know more about what a potential participation entails? Feel free to contact Helena Gunnarsson, senior lecturer in psychology, licensed physiotherapist. E-mail: helena.gunnarsson@lnu.se.
Responsible for the study
- Helena Gunnarsson, licensed physiotherapist, PhD in psychology, senior lecturer
- Jalal Safipour, PhD, associate professor in health sciences
- Ulrica Englund-Johansson, PhD, associate professor in neuro biology
- Ulrica Lovén-Wickman, PhD, licensed nurse