Posthypnotic Amnesia, The Hidden Observer Effect, and Duality During Hypnotic Age Regression

Abstract

The present study sought to explore potential response differences to a suggestion for posthypnotic amnesia between those high hypnotizable Ss who do and those who do not manifest the hidden observer effect. In line with the hypothesis that Ss who responded to the hidden observer suggestion are more highly engaged in cognitive monitoring of their experience and behavior (Nogrady, McConkey, Laurence, & Perry, 1983), it was predicted that these Ss would recall more Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962) hypnotic items, and in greater detail, following the reversal of amnesia than would their no-hidden observer counterparts. In this regard, both the quantity and the quality of posthypnotic recall was examined in 15 high, 11 high-medium, and 11 low hypnotizable Ss. Data on posthypnotic recall from low and high-medium hypnotizable Ss revealed the comparability of the present sample to samples of other studies that have investigated posthypnotic recall using standardized hypnotizability scales. Contrary to prediction, hidden observer Ss recalled significantly fewer hypnotic items and in less detail. Similar results were found when high hypnotizable Ss were dichotomized with respect to the presence or absence of duality in age regression (Perry & Walsh, 1978). Results are discussed in terms of implications for future research.