Enacting the mind/body connection: the role of self-induced placebo mechanisms
Francesco Pagnini, Diletta Barbiani, Francesca Grosso, Cesare Cavalera, Eleonora Volpato, Giacomo Andrea Minazzi, Valentina Poletti, Giuseppe Riva, Deborah Phillips
Abstract
Placebo effects are beneficial mind-body outcomes derived from beliefs or expectations, not explainable as the consequence of active medical treatments. These phenomena have long been considered a result of external manipulation, generally obtained with deceptive strategies (e.g., fake pills) or suggestions. Open-label placebos showed promising results, but even in that case, the individual has a passive role: they are not actively engaged in promoting the effect. We propose a framework to investigate the potential for individuals to self-induce placebo effects through conscious and deliberate psychological mechanisms, such as mental imagery, somatic focusing, and perceived control. These mechanisms may be tested in combination with open-label placebos and active treatments, as well as standalone strategies. The framework may push the boundaries of current mind-body research and have the potential to place these self-induced mechanisms alongside expectations and learning as key players in the placebo effect, ultimately elevating the individual’s active role in shaping their health.