Modifying hypnotic performance by means of brief sensory experiencess

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which hypnotic performance could be modified by means of 2 types of pre-hypnwis sensory experiences: (a) auditory stimulation in the form of recorded music, and (b) a variant of sensory restriction in the form of a short period of silence with eyes closed. 39 UniveIBity of Hawaii students were given a baseline test of hypnotic susceptibility and then randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions. The Ss in the music and silence groups were expased to 10 minutes of either recorded music or silence prior to a criterion hypnotic susceptibility scale. Controlgroup Se were exposed only to the hypnotic test scale. All Ss reported their experienced hypnotic sensations. Music- and silence-group Ss completed a self-report scale sssessing the role played by relaxation and receptive perception in the manipulation. Although the reaulta were not consistent, both mugic and silence were sigmficantly effective in increasing responsivity in comparison with practice only. The findmgs are discwed with reference to posaible mediating mechanisms, and the imphations of these findings with regard to modifying hypnotic ability, along with the need for replication studies, are considered.