Researchers have confirmed the pain-relieving benefits of social support—even without verbal or physical contact. In a study of 48 heterosexual couples, each participant underwent pressure pain testing alone and in the passive presence of their partner. Dispositional empathy levels were assessed through a standardized questionnaire.
Both men and women reported higher pain thresholds and tolerance when their partner was present compared to testing alone. They also experienced lower sensory and affective pain ratings from constant pressure stimuli. Higher partner empathy correlated positively with pain tolerance and negatively with sensory pain intensity.
“Talk and touching have been repeatedly shown to reduce pain, but our research shows that even the passive presence of a romantic partner can reduce it and that partner's empathy can buffer affective distress during pain exposure,” said the lead researcher.
