Placebo effects in experimentally induced guilt: A randomized controlled trial in healthy subjects
- Conditions
- healthy volunteers
- Registration Number
- DRKS00029098
- Lead Sponsor
- Fakultät für Psychologie, Universität Basel
- Brief Summary
Placebos are known to yield significant effects in many conditions. We examined deceptive and open-label placebo effects on guilt, which is important for self-regulation and a symptom of mental disorders. Following an experimental induction of guilt, healthy subjects were randomized to deceptive placebo (DP; n = 35), open-label placebo (OLP; n = 35), or no treatment (NT; n = 39). The primary outcome was guilt responses assessed in area under the curve (AUC). Secondary outcomes were shame, guilt, and affect. We hypothesized that DP and OLP would reduce guilt compared to NT. Guilt responses were higher in the NT group than in the placebo groups (estimate = 2.03, 95% CI = 0.24–3.82, d = 0.53), whereas AUC guilt did not differ significantly between the placebo groups (estimate = -0.38, 95% CI = -2.52–1.76, d = -0.09). Placebos are efficacious in reducing acute guilt responses, regardless of the placebo administration (i.e., open vs. deceptive). Furthermore, we observed narrative-specific effects with significant changes of guilt but not shame, pride, or affect. These results indicate not only that guilt is amenable to placebos but also that placebos can be administered in an ethical and potentially emotion-specific manner.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- Complete
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 112
According to their own statements, be healthy, be between 18 and 65 years old and have sufficient command of the German language.
Self-reported acute or chronic somatic illness or psychiatric disorder, psychological or psychiatric treatment, and use of psychotropic drugs.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Guilt after the Guilt Boost
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Shame and pride feelings after the guilt boost