This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Pain is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon influenced by multiple biological and psychosocial variables. Recent evidence suggests that different ethnic groups may experience pain differently. It is important to understand potential ethnic differences in pain perception, because this may have important implications for diagnosing a treating pain. This study will evaluate responses to commonly used experimental pain procedures in healthy young adults from three different ethnic groups: African Americans, Hispanic Americans and non-Hispanic whites. Perceptual responses (e.g. pain threshold, pain ratings) as well as physiological responses (e.g. blood pressure, cortisol) will be assessed. This approach will allow us to better characterize the nature of ethnic differences in responses to pain, which may ultimately improve pain assessment and treatment. It is hypothesized that African Americans and Hispanic Americans will demonstrate greater pain sensitivity than non-Hispanic whites, but that whites will show more robust physiological responses to the painful procedures.
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