The modification of hypnotic susceptibility through imitative behavior

Abstract

In this study, the effect of imitation upon the modification of hypnotic susceptibility was investigated. Of specific concern were the influences of vicarious reinforcement and model status. Preand post-test measurements on 110 Ss revealed that the overall effects of imitation produced a significant increase in susceptibility. Limited support was found for model-status leading to increases in susceptibility, but results indicated that vicarious reinforcement had no such effect. This last finding was discussed in terms of a possible confounding due to the presence of direct reinforcement in the pre- and post-test sessions. No significant interactions involving these two variables were uncovered.