Hypnotizability as a Factor in the Hypnotic Treatment of Obesity

Abstract

The study describes a program of time-limited, relatively un-contaminated hypnotherapy for the treatment of obesity, and explores relationships between degree of objectively measured hypnotizability (by the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form A of Weitzenhoffer and E. R. Hilgard, 1959) and success at weight reduction via hetero- and self-hypnosis. Of the 43 male and female adult outpatients of the Morton Prince Center for Hypnotherapy in New York City who entered the program, 30 Ss completed the orientation session, 8 weekly individual treatment sessions, and 12 weeks of follow-up, during which self-hypnosis was practiced. These Ss showed an average weight loss of 20.2 pounds. Results indicated a statistically significant positive association between degree of hypnotizability and success at weight reduction. High hypnotizable Ss were significantly more aided by the treatment program than either medium hypnotizable or low hypnotizable Ss.