We know now that this is untrue. It has also been proven that the intensity of pain is proportional to the extent of the tissue damage. In the 1960's, the Gate Control theory indicated that nociceptor signals molleculated centrally and the information in the central nervous system is bi-directional. We have come further still in our understanding with the 1970's theory of the Operant Conditioning Model. In this ideology, it is believed that pain behavior influences pain experience.
Patients can modify, manage and effectively deal with pain through their own efforts.
Bringing up the latest studies, it is now believed in the Cognitive Behavior theory that how one thinks about pain effects how one feels. For instance, if a patient dreads her Endometriosis, it is likely that her pain will increase. The story of a physician who handed a patient medication with tongs, who in turn had a placebo effect from this manner of administration was reviewed. Placebo effects can last a long time. The more powerful the stimulus, the longer the placebo effect lasts.