Researchers at Leeds Metropolitan University in England inflicted pain on 200 Libyan and British students, and studied how they responded. They found that although there was no difference in the unpleasantness of the pain, the men were much more stoical about it. They showed a higher pain threshold, and reported less pain afterwards.
The women showed more sensitivity. They tolerated less pain, and were happier to admit it hurt.
So why did the men put up with more pain than women? Gender stereotypes seem to be playing a part, with women expected to be sensitive and men feeling the pressure to show they're macho.
The research found that these gender differences were stronger in the Libyan students than the British ones. The Libyan men also had a higher pain threshold than British men. This suggests that cultural differences also play a part in how people cope with pain.
Research into pain is important, because it could help scientists develop better pain relief, and help people who live with chronic pain. Most pain killers are tested on men.
Quiz 測驗 According to the research, who was more stoical about pain, men or women?
Men.
In the experiment, who tolerated more pain, the British or Libyan men?
Libyan men.
According to the article, why don't men show that they're in pain?
Because they want to seem macho or manly.
Why is research into pain important?
It could help develop better pain relief and help people live with chronic pain.
True or false? Calling a man a 'big girl's blouse' means he's brave.
False. It means he's not being brave.
Glossary 词汇表 traditional beliefs傳統觀念 tougher更強硬 implication暗示，含義 exaggerates its effects誇大它的影響 get some sympathy博取一些同情 get out of逃避，避免（事情） manly男子氣概的 brave勇敢的 inflicted pain強加痛苦 stoical堅忍的 pain threshold（生理）痛閾 sensitivity敏感度 tolerated忍受 admit it hurt承認痛了 put up with忍受 gender stereotypes性別刻板印象、特徵 macho有男子氣慨的 cultural differences文化差異 cope with應對 pain relief緩解疼痛 chronic pain慢性疼痛 pain killers止痛藥
