New study from University of Oxford suggests that people with more friends have higher pain thresholds. Researchers say that link between larger friendship circles and pain tolerance may be down to the way the the brain’s endorphin system has evolved. Their results are in line with previous studies suggesting that μ-opioid receptor signalling has been elaborated beyond its basic function of pain modulation to play an important role in managing our social encounters. http://www.nature.com/articles/srep25267
IMO, this may be connected to our MNN (mirror neural network), which to my understanding is the basis for *empathy* (the ability to *feel* someone else's pain) While this may seem contrary to possessing a high pain threshold, it actually promotes *understanding* of another's emotions and allows for *closer relationships". "A friend (when) in need, is a friend indeed"
"Shared pain is halved pain," as they say. (And complaining gives your brain something to do other than focusing on the pain.)
Sometimes the social stimulus doesn't even have to involve friendship and a large group. During extremely cold weather, individuals (on scouting missions, patrols, as messengers, etc) were seldom sent out alone to march on foot for long distances. By having them teamed in pairs, a competitive attitude between the two could goad them to have a higher tolerance for suffering, to keep going. Randolph Scott-ism: "If he can stand this ####, then I guess I surely can."
This is very interesting! I've read articles that people who have a healthy social life and friendship base, live longer and overall healthier lives. Not sure how one could conclusively prove that though, considering there are so many factors that contribute to health, wellness, and longevity.
