Richie had never before experienced pain when getting his shots. But this time, when he went to the doctor's office, the new nurse told him it would feel like a bee sting and he howled with pain when the needle pricked his skin. Poor Richie is experiencing ______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The situation described in the passage is an example of the nocebo effect, where negative expectations or suggestions can actually cause physical symptoms or discomfort. The nurse's suggestion that the shot would feel like a bee sting likely heightened Richie's sensitivity to the pain he felt.

Richie Had Never Before Experienced Pain When Getting His Shots