Hypnotizability enhancement: clinical implications of empirical findings

While some conceptualize hypnotizability as a stable attribute of the individual, there is a growing body of literature that indicates hypnotizability may be characterized as a constellation of potentially modifiable attitudes and skills that are strongly influenced by contextual factors. In this article I briefly review representative studies from the hypnotizability-enhancement literature and highlight several controversial issues that have emerged. Although the empirical debate regarding hypnotizability and its enhancement will continue, this literature review has produced findings that are of value to hypnotherapists who wish to facilitate optimal hypnotic responding and positive outcomes with their patients. Several of these findings and their implications for the clinical application of hypnosis are discussed.

Response expectancy as a mediator of hypnotizability modification: a brief communication

The role of response expectancy in bringing about increases in hypnotic susceptibility by use of the Carleton Skill Training Program (CSTP) was assessed with 27 subjects selected for their low hypnotizability scores. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: 13 received the CSTP to increase their hypnotic susceptibility, and 14 received no training. In addition to assessing hypnotizability, hypnotic response expectancies were assessed before and after training. With pretreatment hypnotizability controlled, subjects in the training group scored significantly higher than control subjects on all self-report measures of hypnotizability but not on a measure of observed behavioral response. Changes in response expectancy were found to be highly correlated with changes in hypnotizability. With changes in expectancy controlled, no significant differences between the trained and control groups were found.