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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Touch of Money Can Help You Resist Pain

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(Newser) – The feel of green can make people more resistant to low-level pain, NPR reports. Building on earlier research about the psychological power of money, experts in China conducted a study asking subjects to dip their fingers in water heated to 122 degrees Fahrenheit; those who had counted money ahead of time felt less pain. "We think money works as a substitute for another pain buffer—love," says researcher Xinyue Zhou.

Zhou admits with a laugh that it's sad to think of money as a substitute for companionship: "All substitutes are sad," she says. Even reminding the subjects of cash 10 minutes after the experiment had an affect on them. "They said inexplicably they just felt stronger," says another researcher. "It is surprising. It still surprises me."

Research in China shows that people can endure physical discomfort if they count money ahead of time.
Research in China shows that people can endure physical discomfort if they count money ahead of time.   (Shutterstock)
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As far as your brain's concerned, money can act as a substitute for social acceptance, reducing social discomfort and, by extension, physical discomfort and even pain. - David Kestenbaum, NPR

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8 comments
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Radzyn
Aug 7, 09 8:14 PM CDT
I believe it. Reply
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0
Reader60610265
Aug 7, 09 8:19 PM CDT
Having it always makes me feel better. Reply
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+1
2-bits
Aug 7, 09 8:24 PM CDT
Money = Sex Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
2-bits
Aug 7, 09 8:25 PM CDT
In a metaphorical, henry kissenger-ish way.
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+1
TerrifiedCitizen
Aug 7, 09 10:00 PM CDT
Perhaps for Ruth Madoff; but the touch of a loved one does it for me. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1

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