Some correlates of the use (or disuse) of hypnosis by experienced psychologist-therapists

Abstract

147 psychologist-psychotherapists were compared on the basis of their attitude towards the employment of hypnosis as a technique in psychotherapy. One finding was the absence of extensive differences between the 2 groups in the use of most other therapy techniques, though the hypnosis-favorable group made somewhat more active use of a wider variety of approaches. Doctrine and experience level per se were not significant determinants of the behavior in question. A major finding was that those favorably disposed were inclined to represent themselves as significantly more objective (rather than clinical or intuitive) in their frame-of-reference. A number of significant biographical correlates were found which led to the advancement by speculation of vignettes of the 2 extreme attitude groups. While this study raises as many questions as it answers, it is intended to provoke a more objective approach to establishment of the identity of the hypnotherapist.