Transient experiences following hypnotic testing and special termination procedures

Abstract

For those who are responsive to hypnosis, the experiences can be unusual and involving. It is not surprising, therefore, that such experiences in response to tests of susceptibility may not be fully terminated when the hypnotic sessions end. In order to study the initial persistence of the effects, following administration of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962) and the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) of Weitzenhoffer and E.R. Hilgard (1962), 107 college Ss were interviewed about their hypnotic experiences and subsequent experiences related to hypnosis. 72% of Ss reported feelings of relaxation and being rested following SHSS:C. Only 5% reported minor transient posthypnotic experiences following HGSHS:A, while 29% of Ss reported these feelings following SHSS:C. Except in 1 case, cognitive distortions or confusion were reported only following the more cognitively oriented SHSS:C by Ss who scored significantly higher on cognitive items than those Ss who reported feeling drowsy. A special termination procedure involving exercise and conversation had no significant effect on the number of transient experiences. Such minor transient experiences are not a risk to Ss and any slight discomfort or uneasiness they cause can easily be dealt with by a well-trained hypnotist.