The hidden observer in hypnotic analgesia: Discovery or experimental creation?

Authors:
  • NSNicholas P. Spanos
    Nicholas P. Spanos
  • EHErin C. Hewitt
    Erin C. Hewitt
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Abstract
Eight highly susceptible subjects were assigned to Hilgard's training procedures for eliciting "hidden" reports during hypnotic analgesia. These procedures indicate to subjects that a "hidden part" of themselves continues to feel high levels of pain while their "hypnotized part" experiences reduced pain. A second group of 8 subjects was given the opposite expectation concerning "hidden-pain"--that their "hidden part" would feel less pain than their "hypnotized part." Results were unambiguous. Subjects expecting high levels of "hidden" pain reported high levels whereas those expecting little "hidden" pain reported low levels. These results are inconsistent with the notion that "hidden" reports reflect the intrinsic activity of a "dissociated state." Instead, they indicate that "hidden" reports result from subjects' attempts to convincingly enact the role of "good hypnotic subject" as this role is defined for them by the experimental procedures they undergo.