Starting from scratch: exploring attentional bias towards itch

Abstract

Itch can signal a potential threat to bodily integrity. Therefore, it is assumed that attention is automatically drawn towards itch-related stimuli in our environment, e.g., seeing someone else scratching. If attention is preferentially drawn towards certain stimuli, this is called an attentional bias. Research in attentional bias towards itch is scarce but early findings suggest that healthy individuals do pay attention to itch-related stimuli. This is further supported by the fact that itch is contagious, seeing someone else scratch, induces itch in the observer. The current studies investigated attentional bias towards itch-related stimuli (pictures and words) and also somatosensory induces itch on the skin in healthy individuals. Results did not support an attentional bias towards itch-related stimuli but suggested that these stimuli might be avoided. The concept of attentional avoidance is not yet clearly defined and studied which needs further exploration in the future. In addition, there are limitations to the current measurement paradigms. Theoretical perspectives from related fields, such as pain and threat, suggest that attentional bias should be seen as a goal- and context dependent phenomenon and not a static trait a person possess. Therefore, more research including new paradigms is needed.