According to psychological research on stress and pain perception, how does a woman's sense of control during labor typically influence her experience of pain?

• A. She will experience more pain because control increases anxiety.
• B. Her pain perception will not be affected by her sense of control.
• C. She is likely to perceive less pain due to increased feelings of control.
• D. She will experience unpredictable fluctuations in pain regardless of control.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of perceived control in psychological research, which refers to an individual's belief that they can influence or manage events affecting them.
2. Recognize that in the context of labor, a woman's sense of control can impact her emotional and physiological responses to pain.
3. Review research findings indicating that increased feelings of control are associated with reduced stress and anxiety, which can modulate pain perception.
4. Connect the idea that when a woman feels more in control during labor, she is likely to experience less pain because her stress response is diminished.
5. Conclude that the psychological mechanism behind this is that perceived control enhances coping ability, thereby lowering the subjective experience of pain.