Relationship of Posthypnotic Amnesia to Waking Memory Performance

Abstract

It has been suggested that the occurrence of amnesia after hypnosis is related to a predisposition toward forgetfulness manifested by Ss in ordinary waking life. On the basis of standardized scale performance, 20 hypnotizable Ss were classified as amnesic or nonamnesic, according to a strict criterion for suggested, temporary posthypnotic amnesia. These Ss received a battery of memory tests administered in the normal waking state. Measures of visual and auditory short-term memory, and long-term memory assessed under conditions of incidental learning, revealed no differences between amnesic and nonamnesic Ss. Measures of long-term memory collected under intentional learning conditions, however, showed superior retention by the amnesic Ss. A poor waking memory does not appear to be involved in the development of posthypnotic amnesia.