Higher responsiveness to verbal suggestions correlates with greater placebo symptom relief, r = 0.18Trait Responsiveness to Verbal Suggestions Linked to Placebo Effects

medRxiv Published August 24, 2026 Study authors: Stein, M. V.; Thompson, T.; Terhune, D. B. DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

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Key Takeaway

Consider that higher REVS is weakly associated with greater placebo response, but the effect is small.

This meta-analysis synthesized data from 1137 individuals to examine the association between trait responsiveness to verbal suggestions (REVS) and placebo responding. The primary outcome was the correlation between REVS and placebo responses. The pooled analysis revealed a significant, albeit weak, positive correlation (r = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.24), indicating that individuals with higher REVS reported greater symptom relief in response to placebos.

The findings suggest that individual differences in REVS may partly explain variability in symptom reduction in response to placebos. However, the effect size is small, and the clinical significance may be limited. The authors note that the meta-analysis results were stable across methodological quality indicators and study features per sensitivity analysis, lending some robustness to the findings.

Limitations include the observational nature of the association, which precludes causal inference. Additionally, the analysis did not report on adverse events, discontinuations, or tolerability, as these were not relevant to the study design. The setting and follow-up duration were not reported.

For clinicians, this meta-analysis underscores that placebo responses are not uniform and may be influenced by individual traits. While REVS could be a useful research tool, its weak correlation suggests it should not be used alone to predict placebo response in clinical practice. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms and potential applications.

Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 people to see how individual traits affect the way people react to placebos. They specifically looked at a trait called responsiveness to verbal suggestions (REVS). This study aimed to understand why some people experience more relief from a placebo than others.

The analysis found a positive link between high REVS scores and better symptom relief from placebos. However, this connection was described as weak. The results suggest that personal traits might help explain why different people have different experiences with placebo treatments.

Because the study shows only an association rather than a direct cause, it is not used to predict exactly how one person will react. These findings are part of a large review of existing data and do not change current medical practices. Talk to your doctor about how these factors might apply to your specific health situation.

What this means for you:

People with high responsiveness to verbal suggestions may experience more relief from placebos, but the link is weak.

Common questions

What is the link between verbal suggestions and placebos?

The study found a positive but weak correlation between responsiveness to verbal suggestions (REVS) and placebo responses. This means that individuals with higher REVS scores reported more symptom relief when they received a placebo. The statistical result was an r value of 0.18.

Is this finding a guarantee of how I will react to treatment?

No, the study shows only an association between a personality trait and a response. It does not prove that one causes the other or predict exactly how any individual will feel. The correlation found was described as weak by the researchers.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

Sample sizen = 1,137

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedAug 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Background: Placebo responding involves the reduction of symptoms in response to contextual features of an intervention (e.g., verbal suggestions), yet it is characterized by pronounced heterogeneity. Although verbal suggestions are widely recognised as a hallmark method for inducing placebo responses, an open question is whether variability in placebo responding can be partly attributed to individual differences in trait responsiveness to verbal suggestions (REVS). We conducted a pre-registered meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number CRD420250654692) to quantitatively synthesize available research on the association between trait REVS and placebo responding. Methods: PsycInfo, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched up to June 2026 for original clinical or experimental studies involving both the assessment of REVS and symptom measures (self-report, behavioural, and/or physiological) in response to an inactive intervention (placebo). Results: Of 1,512 search results, 24 articles presenting 66 correlations between REVS and placebo responding were analysed (N = 1,137). A multi-level meta-analysis revealed a significant, albeit weak, positive correlation between REVS and placebo responses, r = 0.18 [95% CI: 0.13, 0.24], such that individuals with higher REVS reported greater symptom relief in response to the placebo. Meta-regression analyses did not identify any significant moderators of the correlation between REVS and placebo responding and sensitivity analyses based on Bayesian subgroup estimates indicated that the aggregate correlation was stable across methodological quality indicators and study features. Conclusion: These findings suggest that individual differences in REVS may partly explain variability in symptom reduction in response to placebos, with implications for the sources of variance in placebo effects in experimental and applied contexts.

Higher responsiveness to verbal suggestions correlates with greater placebo symptom relief, r = 0.18Trait Responsiveness to Verbal Suggestions Linked to Placebo Effects

Common questions

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Higher responsiveness to verbal suggestions correlates with greater placebo symptom relief, r = 0.18Trait Responsiveness to Verbal Suggestions Linked to Placebo Effects

Common questions

Study Details

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The Algorithm That Helps Doctors Pick the Right Antidepressant for You

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

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