Campbell Perry

Multiple predictors of hypnotic susceptibility.

In this article, we report two experiments in which various measures thought to be related to hypnotizability were analyzed by stepwise discriminant analysis techniques. Absorption (Tellegen, 1981, 1982; Tellegen & Atkinson, 1974) and preference for an imagic style of thinking (Isaacs, 1982) were robust predictors of hypnotizability; each variable accounted for significant variance in hypnotizability at their respective steps in two samples and correctly classified a significant proportion of low- and high-hypnotizable subjects in the discriminant analyses. The addition of two other variables in Experiment 2--a Sleep-Dream score derived from Evanss (1977) Cognitive Control of Sleep Mentation subscale and Gibsons (1985) Dream Questionnaire, and the Belief in the Supernatural subscale of the Taft (1969) Experience Questionnaire--increased the correct classification of the medium-hypnotizable subjects from chance levels to 74%. It is argued that a confirmatory and hierarchical approach is needed in future studies to explore correlates of hypnotizability more fully.

Hypnotic depth and hypnotic susceptibility: a replicated finding.

Abstract A sample of 398 Ss was tested in groups of from 8 to 20 people on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962). Retrospective depth reports for each of the 12 HGSHS:A items were taken in order to extend Tarts findings (1970, 1972) on susceptibility and depth. The Ss were tested over 2 successive years in samples of N = 220 and N = 178. Since results were almost identical for each year (thus constituting a replication), the data were pooled for this report. A remarkable consistency in patterns of subjective depth across the 12 items of HGSHS:A was found, particularly noticeable in Items 7, 8, 9, and 10 for 4 susceptibility groups (high, high-medium, low-medium and low-susceptible Ss) which appeared to reflect differential item difficulties. In addition, all correlations between reported depth and HGSHS:A total scores were high and statistically significant. While the findings are in general accord with those of Tart (1970, 1972), further research...

Montréal norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A.

Abstract Norms are presented for the Harvard Croup Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962). Comparisons are made on HGSHS:A between 3 Montreal samples (N = 220, N = 178, & N = 137) and the aggregate sample (N = 535). These are compared additionally with a normative group of Harvard students (Shor & E. Orne, 1963), a normative group of University of California at Berkeley students (Coe, 1964), a normative sample of Australian students (Sheehan & McConkey, 1979), and the original Stanford University normative sample which was tested individually on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form A (Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1959). Although the Montreal groups were heterogeneous in ethnic origin and first language, the present normative data are generally congruent with earlier studies.

Duality, Dissociation, and Memory Creation in Highly Hypnotizable Subjects

Abstract The present paper reports an initial attempt to create a pseudomemory in a group of highly hypnotizable individuals. It was found that for approximately 50% of Ss tested, recall of a specific event was modified when Ss integrated hypnotically suggested inaterial which then posthypnotically was believed to be veridical. This modification in a previously reported memory was linked to a particular cognitive style found in high hypnotizalde Ss, namely dual cognitive functioning. Ss reporting duality in hypnotic age regression, and, to a lesser extent, the hidden observer effect, were found to be the most prone to accept a suggested memory as real. These findings suggest the need to emphasize the importance of a cognitive-phenomenological approach to hypnosis and hypnotizability.

Hypnotic coercion and compliance to it: A review of evidence presented in a legal case

Abstract There are 2 main positions concerning the potential of hypnosis to coerce unconsenting behavior. One position asserts that coercion is possible through the induction of distorted perceptions which delude the hypnotized person into believing that the behavior suggested is not transgressive. The other position asserts that where hypnosis appears to be a causal factor in coercing behavior, other elements in the situation- especially a close hypnotist-client relationship-were the main determinants of behavior. The present paper analyzes the court transcript of a recent case in Australia in which a lay hypnotist was found guilty of 3 sexual offenses against 2 female clients. The uniqueness of the case is that it pits the 2 main positions on hypnotic coercion against each other. The hypnotist admitted the acts attributed to him; his defense was that hypnotic coercion is impossible since a hypnotized person would resist immediately any transgressive suggestion. The women involved stated that they were a...

Rethinking per se exclusions of hypnotically elicited recall as legal testimony.

In 1993, Boggs argued for a rethinking of the per se exclusion of hypnotically elicited testimony. This article analyzes the Minnesota v. Mack (1980) case that initiated this exclusion and the two Illinois cases Boggs cites in favor of her position. The scientific data on the effect of hypnosis on memory do not support Boggss position. Rather than providing reasons for rethinking this per se position, these data suggest that it should be retained.

Can anecdotes add to an understanding of hypnosis

This paper emphasizes the importance of anecdotes, in conjunction with experimental data and careful clinical observation, for an understanding of hypnosis. Anecdotes are presented that bear on (a) individual differences in hypnotizability, (b) the stereotypes of hypnosis, (c) the importance of careful wording in preparing experimental subjects and clinical patients for hypnosis, (d) the notion of hypnosis as involving a partial, but not complete, setting aside of critical judgment, which permits the hypnotized person to engage in fantasy and make-believe, (e) confabulation in hypnotic age regression, (f) the differentiation of hypnotic and therapeutic suggestion, (g) the nature of hypnotic suggestion, and (h) some experiences with the posthypnotic persistence of an uncanceled suggestion.

Variables influencing the posthypnotic persistence of an uncanceled hypnotic suggestion.

A fundamental belief about hypnosis is that any suggestion that is administered to the hypnotized S should be clearly and unambiguously canceled during hypnosis. It is believed that if the hypnotist does not do this, the suggestions will persist posthypnotically, and in some cases will have quite profoundly disruptive effects upon the hypnotized person’s subsequent behavior posthypnosis. The basis for this belief is entirely anecdotal. Weitzenhoffer,’ for instance, administered a posthypnotic suggestion that the S would be unable to stand up at the end of hypnosis session until the hypnotist clapped his hands. Following hypnosis, the S was asked to stand up, and, as expected, was unable to. He was still unable to, however, when the hypnotist clapped his hands, and the experimenter (E ) became concerned that he had inadvertently triggered off a hysterical paralysis. The S was rehypnotized, and it transpired that as the E was canceling the suggestion, a power lawn mower outside the experimental room had drowned out his voice just as he was describing the hand-clap condition. The S remained unaware that the suggestion had been canceled, and it remained in force. Evans,2 likewise suggested amnesia to the number 6 to a group of Ss. He intended the amnesia to last for the duration of the session, but one S misunderstood the instruction to mean that the amnesia for the number 6 was to last until a later scheduled session. The S was a high school mathematics teacher, who proceeded to experience great teaching difficulty in the classroom during the interim. In another such i n ~ i d e n t , ~ Schultz placed a coin on the back of a S’s hand, and suggested the coin was red hot and would burn the hand without causing pain. There was no trace of a burn when the coin was lifted, but two weeks later the S reported that every morning since the session he had awakened with a painless blister on the very same spot on the back of his hand; the blister had proceeded to subside during the course of the day. Schultz then remembered that he had forgotten to cancel the suggestion, and proceeded to do so. From there on, the man’s daily blister ceased. There are at least 20 other examples like this known to the author, but they are all likewise anecdotal and may thus overestimate the incidence of the phenomenon. There may be many instances where the hypnotist fails to cancel the suggestion and the S suffers no posttrance sequalae. Such cases, by their very nature, would tend to go unreported. Only one report known to the present

Forensic hypnosis in the late nineteenth century.

Abstract In recent years, hypnosis has been used increasingly as an investigative tool by North American police forces. The questions and problems raised by this recent application of hypnosis have historical precedents. In the latter part of the 19th century, medical jurists and researchers, particularly in France, were confronted with many of the same issues. The present paper reviews certain positions, taken by experts in hypnosis of this epoch, as well as some of the trials in which hypnosis was involved. Major consideration is given to 19th-century beliefs about the coercive power of hypnosis, and to what investigators of this period thought on the issues of hypermnesia, confabulation, and the creation of a pseudomemory in hypnosis. Although not exhaustive, this initial report indicates that our predecessors were well aware of the intricacies posed by the application of hypnosis to the investigative situation. It is of interest to find that 19th-century legislation regulating the use of hypnosis was ...

Benjamin Franklin and Mesmerism.

Abstract This historiographical note reviews Benjamin Franklins involvement with the practice and investigation of Mesmerism. A survey of material about Franklins period in Paris (e.g., Lopez, 1966; Lopez & Herbert, 1975) indicates that he had a higher degree of personal involvement with, and a more detailed opinion of, Mesmerism than has been generally considered.