What term describes the ability to focus one's attention away from pain to reduce the experience of it?

The ability to focus one's attention away from pain to reduce the experience of it is best described by the term "distraction." Distraction involves diverting attention from the source of discomfort and can effectively lessen pain perception. This psychological strategy can help individuals cope with pain by shifting their focus to more pleasant or neutral stimuli, thus reduces the intensity or suffering associated with the pain experience.

Relaxation primarily refers to techniques that decrease tension and anxiety, which can also lead to a reduction in pain but relies more on achieving a state of calm rather than diverting attention. Mindfulness involves being aware and accepting of present experiences, including pain, which does not necessarily involve shifting attention away from it. Desensitization often relates to the process of reducing sensitivity to stimuli over time, such as in the context of phobias or anxiety, rather than actively focusing away from pain. Distraction is a more immediate and active approach to managing the perception of pain, making it the most suitable term in this context.