Which hurts less if you’re getting a shot – watching or looking away?

The next time you need to get a shot – look away! 

It really will hurt less if you do. German researchers came to that unsurprising conclusion by subjecting volunteers to some psychological shots. They studied pupil dilation and verbal responses when the subjects were expecting the simulated shots and when they were not. The unexpected shots go much less of a reaction.

The researchers also determined that past shot experiences have something to do with perceived pain and needle-phobia. With young children it’s best to tell them to look away and that they will feel it less. Avoid saying “You won’t feel a thing” or “This won’t hurt.” It’s probably not true and just erodes trust.