Alterations in Consciousness in Neutral Hypnosis: Distortions in Semantic Space

Abstract

30 highly hypnotizable Ss were equally divided into three groups, equated for age, sex and hypnotic susceptibility. A semantic differential scale was administered to each S in waking, individual sessions. An oral form of the same scale was administered during: (a) hypnosis (E), (b) waking—post hypnosis (C1), and (c) waking—no hypnosis (C2). All groups showed significant change between administrations of the scale; E showed more change than C1, and the latter more than C2. Ratings of “My Self” changed toward the negative pole in the evaluative factor. Results were interpreted as indicating a distortion in semantic space and an alteration in ego-state occurring spontaneously with hypnosis.