Inadvertent termination of hypnosis with hypnotized and simulating subjects

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Abstract
12 Ss-6 highly hypnotizable, and 6 unhypnotizable but with instructions to simulate hypnosis-were given hypnotic instructions by means of a tape-recordmg. All Ss had participated in at least 2 previous tape-recorded sessions which took place in the same room, equipped with a one-way screen. The E did not know which Ss were hypnotizable and which had instructions to simulate hypnosis. Continuous measures of subjective hypnotic depth and GSP were recorded to allow E to take the role of technician. After Ss had been hypnotized by the tape-recorder, a light went out, the tape-recorder stopped, and E rushed from the room-apparently in search of a fuse box. The Ss were observed for 30 minutes through the one-way screen after which the current was turned on, and 2% minutes later E returned. During this time the hypnotic suggestions appeared to lose their effectiveness, and the hypnotized Ss gradually awoke. However, 5 of 6 simulating Ss behaved as though they were in hypnosis throughout. On inquiry, it was determined that 5 of 6 deeply hypnotized Ss assumed that the fuse really had blown, whereas 5 of 6 simulating Ss perceived the “accident” t o be part of the experiment. Because of the behavior of simulating Ss, the theoretical implications of the study are limited. It was concluded that it is necessary to construct a situation in which not only deeply hypnotized Ss, but also simulating Ss, perceive the power failure to be genuine.

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