Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore effects of emotional trauma levels (high and low) and mindfulness training (body scan training, respiratory training) on pain experiences in childhood. Among 284 university students, 93 were assigned into high and low emotional trauma groups having Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) average scores exceeding +1SD and -1SD, respectively. To examine effects of emotional trauma levels on pain experience according to mindfulness training, the experiment was conducted after subjects were assigned into two mindfulness training conditions (body scan training, breathing training). After the first pain pressure threshold task was completed, mindfulness training was conducted for about 5 minutes. Training contents were applied and the second pain pressure threshold task was performed. Bio-signals and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of pain were measured for participants while performing the pain pressure threshold task. Measured values collected from the second pain pressure threshold task were analyzed. As a result of the experiment, the high emotional trauma group showed higher HF-HRV and lower pain intensity in body scan training condition than in respiratory training condition. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in pain pressure threshold, standard deviation of R–R intervals (SDRR), electromyograph (EMG), respiration rate mean (RRM), or pupil diameter according to emotional trauma level or mindfulness training. Limitations and clinical implications of this study were also discussed.