Effects of likelihood framing on side effect expectations and nocebo side effects: Results from three experimental studies with a placebo analgesic cream.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This research examined whether different framings of the likelihood of side effects influence their occurrence in response to a placebo analgesic.

Design

Three independent experimental studies in non-clinical samples were performed.

Methods

Study 1 investigated the effects of likelihood framing on side effect expectations, while Studies 2 and 3 investigated the effects of likelihood framing on side effect experiences in terms of nocebo side effects.

Results

Study 1 (N = 244) showed that participants had higher side expectations when the side effect likelihood was negatively framed (e.g. 1% occurrence) than positively framed (e.g. 99% no occurrence). Side effect expectations were also more negative when frequencies (e.g. 1 in 100) rather than percenta

SUBMITTER: Kube T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835575 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature