Aptitude for Trance and Situational Effects of Varying the Interpersonal Nature of the Hypnotic Setting

Abstract

This study sought to extend the findings of McConkey and Sheehan (1976) who found no significant differences in the hypnotic test scores of highly susceptible subjects when compared under markedly contrasting interpersonal conditions of hypnotic testing. In the present investigation, both real (high and medium aptitude) and simulating subjects were tested contractually (in standard fashion), but within this mode the interpersonal nature of testing was varied systematically. Half the subjects were tested using a videotaped induction (the impersonal condition) and half were tested personally by the experimenter (the interpersonal condition). In support of McConkey and Sheehan (1976), results showed that the performance of high susceptible subjects was not influenced by the distinct test interactions, but differences occurred for both the simulators and medium susceptible subjects across the impersonal and interpersonal conditions of testing. Data bear upon the trait-skill and interactionist accounts of hypnosis.