Thirty-Nine 4th-Graders Were Randomly Assigned to One of Three Treatment

Thirty-nine 4th-graders were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions during each of their vaccinations, so that all children experienced each of the treatment options. Children in the distraction condition watched a movie, such as 101 Dalmatians or Toy Story, while they had their shot. Children in the anesthetic condition had an anesthetic cream. Children in the typical care condition were simply comforted by the nurse. Findings from this study revealed a very effective strategy for reducing pain and anxiety. __________ was the dependent variable in this study.

A) distraction and anesthesia
B) distraction, anesthesia and treatment as usual
C) pain
D) pain and anxiety