goal-directed fantasy in hypnotic responsiveness: Skill, item wording, or both?

Abstract

The relationship between goal-directed fantasy (GDF) and responsiveness to hypnotic items that have been historically associated with “deep” hypnosis, like hallucinations, was investigated. The degree to which the item suggestions contain material that would lead S to a GDF was also investigated as it relates to passing the item. The results supported the notion that GDF is positively related to passing these sorts of hypnotic items, and the more the item content suggests a task-relevant fantasy, the more likely it is that S will report a GDF and pass the item. The results raise interesting questions about the role of item wording in hypnotic responsiveness. However, alternative interpretations of the data are raised, and possibilities for further research are suggested.