Study finds women have a lower pain threshold than men (surely not!)
Study shows men are better at coping with pain as they want to appear macho
Study shows men are better at coping with pain as they want to appear macho
Men have long claimed they can tolerate pain better than women, with women using the fact many of us go through childbirth as proof we have higher pain thresholds.
But a new study, by Leeds Metropolitan university, has found men can cope better with pain and won't let on about their suffering as they want to look 'macho'.
Scientists from the university tested 200 British and Libyan volunteers. Men of both nationalities came top, and the Libyans were generally less sensitive to pain.
They monitored sensitivity, endurance and willingness to report and admit to pain, by putting them through pain-inducing experiments, including jabbing them in the hand with a blunt tip.
The researchers said gender stereotypes mean women are more likely to admit they are in pain.
Pain scientist Dr Osama Tashani, who was involved in the study, said: ‘Traditionally, high levels of stoicism are associated with men and high levels of sensitivity are associated with women.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
'Some ethnic groups are described as more stoic, while others are viewed as more free in expressing their pain behaviour. We did not detect differences in pain unpleasantness.’
Do you think you can cope better with pain than men? What do you think of the findings? Let us know in the comments below.
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
Lisa Ing-Marinelli has nailed chic winter dressing - these 5 layered looks prove it
Our winter dressing muse
By Jazzria Harris
-
I’ve shopped around and can honestly say, these are the 12 best sequin pieces to ensure you shine this sparkle season
Outfits sparklier than the Christmas lights
By Jazzria Harris
-
I just got a 'brow stain' for fuller-looking brows—here's what you need to know before trying it yourself
Treatment on trial
By Lucy Abbersteen