Researchers found that how much attention the brain pays to expected pain determines whether someone is an 'extreme dreader,' suggesting that simple diversions could alleviate the misery.

How bad? Among people who volunteered to receive electric shocks, almost a third opted for a stronger zap if they could just get it over with, instead of having to wait.

The research also found that how much attention the brain pays to expected pain determines whether someone is an "extreme dreader" suggesting that simple diversions could alleviate the misery.

Tracing Dread Inside the Brain

The research, published in Friday's journal Science, is part of a burgeoning field called neuroeconomics that uses brain imaging to try to understand how people make choices.

Dr. Gregory Berns of Emory University designed a study to trace dread inside the brain. He put 32 volunteers into an MRI machine while giving them a series of 96 electric shocks to the foot. The shocks varied in intensity, from barely detectable to the pain of a needle jab.

They were told one was coming, how strong it would be, and how long the wait for it would be, from 1 to 27 seconds.

For Some, the Wait Is Worst

Later, participants were given choices: Would they prefer a medium jolt in five seconds or 27 seconds? What about a mild jolt in 20 seconds vs. a sharp one in three seconds?

When the voltage was identical, the volunteers almost always chose the shortest wait. But "extreme dreaders" picked the worst shock if it meant not having to wait as long.