Testing the Coercive Power of Hypnosis: Committing Objectionable Acts

Abstract

Samples of hypnotically susceptible individuals and simuIator-controle were asked to perform 2 objectionable acts: cutting up the American flag and mutilating B Bible. 25% of all Se declined to carry out one or the other of the experimental taska. While no conclumom can be drawn about the power of hypnosie to induce objectionable behavior, the findings appear to indicate clearly that objectionable behavior, as opposed to dangerous, criminnl, or anthocial behaviors, can be used to test the coercive power of hypnosis.