Effect of subliminal stimulation of symbiotic fantasies on college student self-disclosure in group counseling.

36 female college students in 3 main groups of 12, with 6 experimental and 6 control Ss in each group, participated in 3 group-counseling sessions. Before each session the experimentals received the subliminal message, "Mommy and I are one," and the controls the neutral message, "People are walking." In the counseling session that followed, Ss in 1 main group (both experimentals and controls) were exposed to 8 counselor self-disclosures (CSDs); another group received 4 CSDs, and the 3rd received zero CSDs. The main hypothesis of the study, that the experimental "Mommy" message would produce more S self-disclosures (SSDs) than the neutral message, was supported, but 2 subsidiary hypotheses were not: (a) that a moderate number (4) of CSDs would elicit more SSDs than either zero or 8 CSDs; and (b) that SSDs would increase over time (between 1st and 3rd group-counseling sessions). These results with the "Mommy" stimulus, together with previous findings, indicate that the subliminal stimulation of symbiotic fantasies can enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic procedures of various kinds. (35 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influence of rapport on hypnotically induced pseudomemory.

Three studies examined the influence of rapport on pseudomemory. Study 1 tested 8 groups of 22 Ss in a 2 (level of susceptibility: high, low)?×?2?(state instruction: hypnosis, waking)?×?2?(rapport: present reduced) design, rapport being inhibited by the hypnotist criticizing Ss' performance. Pseudomemory was tested by a 2nd experimenter who also criticized Ss. Study 2 varied level of susceptibility and rapport for 88 hypnotically instructed Ss where criticism was offered only by the 2nd experimenter. Study 3 analyzed effects among 44 highly susceptible hypnotic Ss where the 2nd experimenter refrained from criticizing Ss. Data indicated a significant association between rapport with the hypnotist and pseudomemory in cued recall, strength of pseudomemory being appreciably lowered when negative hypnotist rapport was reinforced by the person testing pseudomemory. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An experimental study of internalization fantasies in schizophrenic men.

Explored the types of internalization fantasies involving the constructs (or concepts or fantasies) of mother that are ameliorative in schizophrenia, using 120 18–65 yr old male schizophrenics (nonorganic). Four groups of 30 Ss received a subliminal experimental stimulus designed to activate a different fantasy of internalization as well as a subliminal neutral control message. The experimental messages were "Mommy and I are one," "Mommy and I are the same," "Mommy is inside me," and "Mommy and I are alike"; the control message was "People are walking." Assessments of pathological thinking and behavior were made before and after the presentation of each stimulus. Only the stimulus "Mommy and I are one" was effective in reducing pathology. Findings lend strong support to the contention that fantasies of oneness identification with the "good" mother are ameliorative for schizophrenics. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factors influencing rapport in hypnosis.

The phenomenon of countering expresses the tendency of some highly susceptible Ss to favor the intent of the hypnotist when placed in a conflict situation where social influences of another kind dictate an alternative response. The present research explored the parameters of this objective index of involvement with the hypnotist to investigate the special relevance of rapport processes to the hypnotic setting. Rapport was manipulated in 5 different experiments with highly susceptible Ss (Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A), varying either the warmth or genuineness of the hypnotist. It was predicted from transference theorizing that countering would decrease in the negative context and increase in the positive one. Results confirm predictions for highly susceptible Ss tested in the former context but not the latter. In the negative setting, Ss were inhibited in their rate of countering, but maintained their previous level of response to the hypnotist when rapport was facilitated. Results highlight the relevance of interpersonal processes to theorizing about hypnosis. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of the subliminal stimulation of symbiotic fantasies on the academic performance of emotionally handicapped students.

Divided 64 10.8–19.3 yr old emotionally disturbed residents of a treatment school into an experimental and control group matched for age, IQ, and reading ability. Both groups were seen 5 times/week for 6 wks for tachistoscopic exposures of a subliminal stimulus. The stimulus for the experimental group was the phrase, "Mommy and I are one," conceived of as activating symbiotic fantasies that in a number of previous studies with varying groups of Ss had led to greater adaptive behavior. The control group was exposed to the phrase, "People are walking." Results show that experimental Ss manifested significantly greater improvement on the California Achievement Tests—Reading than did the controls. On 5 of 6 secondary variables—arithmetic achievement, self-concept, the handing in of homework assignments, independent classroom functioning, and self-imposed limits on TV viewing—the experimental Ss showed better adaptive functioning. It is suggested that activation of unconscious symbiotic fantasies can increase the effectiveness of counseling and teaching. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Motivated involvement in hypnosis: The illustration of clinical rapport through hypnotic dreams.

Examined the dream reports of 27 hypnotic, 23 task-motivated, and 16 control imagination Ss to analyze the nature of the relation between the S and hypnotist. Dreams were judged by independent raters in response to a request for dreaming about hypnosis. Categories of analysis pertained to rapport-involvement, self, and the hypnotist. Data show that hypnotic Ss' dreams were distinguished from nonhypnotic Ss' dreams by being characteristically more positive. Hypnotic Ss also perceived the hypnotist in an authoritative manner more than waking Ss, the rapport present indicating protection-care or guidance. This pattern of data was especially evident for Ss whose objective performance, as indexed by their expectancy behavior, independently classified them as the most highly motivated in the sample. Data index the transference-like involvement of some hypnotic Ss. With respect to dreaming, however, that involvement is more appropriately viewed in terms of Ss' motivated cognitive commitment to the task of dreaming rather than as the regressive display of infantile wish fulfillment implied by orthodox psychoanalysis. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Experiential analysis of hypnosis: Some new observations on hypnotic phenomena.

10 Ss who were assessed on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility as being highly susceptible to hypnosis were shown videotaped versions of their previous hypnotic sessions in the presence of an independent inquirer who attempted to foster Ss' personal comments on their own experiences. A special method of inquiry called the "experiential analysis technique" was constructed to study Ss' recall, which was examined for fantasy involvement, rapport, and individual modes of cognition. Data from the application of the method indicate the idiosyncratic ways in which Ss interpret routine suggestions, the degree to which they become personally involved with the hypnotist, and 3 distinct modes of cognizing, which were labeled "concentrative-cooperative," "cognitive-independent," and "cognitive-constructive." (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Peer model and experimenter expectancies about appropriate response as determinants of behavior in the hypnotic setting.

Conducted 2 studies with undergraduates (N = 180) to analyze the behavioral effects of the variables "peer model behavior" and the "E's statement of his own expectancy" on the application of hypnosis. The 2 sources of social influence were established prior to induction of hypnosis. The sources were studied for their effects within the framework of a factorial design in which model and hypnotist expectancies about appropriate hypnotic response were manipulated simultaneously, in harmony and in opposition to each other. Exp I established the accuracy of the expectancy manipulations. Exp II analyzed the consequent effects of such manipulations and predicted a positive relationship between hypnotist-expectancy effect and Ss' susceptibility to hypnosis. As predicted, both variables effectively shaped Ss' hypnotic response. The level of susceptibility of Ss to hypnosis was significantly related to the strength of influence of the hypnotist's expressed expectancy. (20 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of subliminal symbiotic stimulation on academic performance: Further evidence on the adaptation-enhancing effects of oneness fantasies.

60 college students, enrolled in a 6-wk undergraduate summer session law course with the experimenter-instructor, received, besides the normal instruction, subliminal stimulation before 3 out of 5 lectures each week and before and after a 10-min counseling session with the experimenter. They were divided into 3 matched groups of 20 each. Group 1 received the message "Mommy and I are one"; Group 2 the message, "My prof and I are one"; and Group 3 the neutral control message, "People are walking." The main dependent variable was the final examination grade received by each student. Both experimental groups earned significantly higher grades than the control group. These results are consistent with those of earlier studies on schizophrenics, insect phobics, obese women, and alcoholics, which indicated that the stimulation of oneness fantasies has an adaptation-enhancing effect on behavior. (35 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nonvolition, expectancies, and hypnotic rapport.

Prior to hypnosis, 49 Ss were informed either that hypnotizable Ss can resist motoric suggestions or that such control does not characterize good hypnotic Ss. During hypnosis, susceptible and simulating Ss (as determined by a 10-point version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility–Form A) received countersuggestions involving inhibiting suggestion-related movements. Susceptible Ss' responses were sensitive to prehypnotic normative information. There was a corresponding tendency for reports of involuntariness to be sensitive to the expectancy manipulation. Ss were able to feel deeply hypnotized and to rate themselves as good Ss yet concomitantly experience themselves as in control over their actions when normative information supported this attribution. Reports of suggestion-related sensations were associated with movements in response to countersuggestion. Simulators were unable to fake susceptibles' reports of sensations and involuntariness. However, for all Ss, movements paralleled expectancies about appropriate response, supporting the hypothesis that involuntary experiences are sensitive to the broad expectational context and are mediated by active cognitive processes. Rapport with the hypnotist was also a factor in resolving hypnotic conflict. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of subliminal stimulation of symbiotic fantasies on behavior modification treatment of obesity.

Treated 30 obese women aged 22–59 yrs in a behavior modification program for overeating, in Study 1 for 8 wks and in Study 2 for 12 wks. In both studies, the behavior programs were accompanied by subliminal stimulation, with half of the Ss receiving the verbal message {mommy and i are one}, intended to stimulate symbiotic gratification fantasies, and the other half a control message. Weight loss was measured at the end of the program and at follow-up times: in Study 1, 4 wks after termination and in Study 2, at 4 and 12 wks posttermination. In both studies the symbiotic condition gave evidence of enhancing weight loss, though it was only at follow-up that the difference between the groups attained significance. This finding, when viewed in conjunction with results from earlier studies of schizophrenics and insect phobics, supports the proposition that the subliminal stimulation of symbiotic fantasies can enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions of various kinds. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A signal detection analysis of hypnotically induced narrowing of the peripheral visual field.

Narrowing of the peripheral visual field ("tunnel vision") was suggested to 4 hypnotized Ss and to 4 Ss simulating hypnosis. Changes in light thresholds in the "blind" portion of the periphery were observed and analyzed using a signal detection approach and were attributed to changes in sensitivity rather than to criterion shifts. Ss simulating hypnosis produced results that were statistically indistinguishable from those of hypnotized Ss. Results are discussed in terms of S attention, and theoretical and practical implications of the results for research in hypnosis and hysteria, for the appropriateness of signal detection theory, and for visual field testing in general are pointed out. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Transient positive and negative experiences accompanying stage hypnosis.

Frequency of positive and negative experiences accompanying stage hypnosis was assessed in follow-up interviews with 22 participants of university-sponsored performances. Most Ss described their experience positively (relaxing, interesting, exciting, satisfying, illuminating, and pleasurable), but some described it negatively (confusing, silly, annoying, and frightening). Five Ss (22.7%) reported partial or complete amnesia; all were highly responsive to the stage hypnosis suggestions. One S was completely unable to breach amnesia and felt annoyed and frightened. Five Ss (22.7%) believed the hypnotist had control over their behavior. Participants (n?=?15) tested subsequently on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (A. M. Weitzenhogger and E. R. Hilgard, 1962) were most moderately to highly hypnotizable (M?=?7.07), and the scores correlated significantly (r?=?.68) with percentage of passed stage hypnosis suggestions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Electrodermal measures in experimental amnesia.

14 Ss equated with respect to hypnotizability were subjected to electrodermal orienting response (OR) adaptation to tone stimulation. ? the Ss were hypnotized, ? were not. Adaptation of the OR was conducted under hypnosis, with suggestion of amnesia both under hypnosis and as a posthypnotic suggestion. The control group yielded progressive adaptation curves, while "amnesia" produced a lifting of the adaptation. (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Subliminal psychodynamic activation in depression: On the role of autonomy issues in depressed college women.

Used the subliminal psychodynamic activation method in 2 experiments to study the effects of messages related to autonomy on 36 depressed (Beck Depression Inventory score ≥10) female undergraduates. Ss were administered the Depressive Adjective Check List (DACL) and the TAT to assess depression during the experiments. In Exp I, (n?=?18), 4 msec exposures of the stimulus Leaving mom is wrong increased depression but the stimulus Mommy and I are one did not reduce depression. In Exp II, (n?=?18), the stimulus Leaving mom is wrong intensified depression, particularly for those Ss who scored high on the DACL for introjective depression, a depression that is understood as guilt-related. Also in Exp II, the stimulus Mommy and I are two reduced depression on 1 of 2 measures. Findings suggest that psychodynamic effects can be demonstrated with depressive patients if care is taken both to select a relevant psychodynamic content and to select depressive Ss for whom there is reason to believe this content is particularly relevant. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reply to O'Dowd and to Tabin and Tabin: Historical priority and alternative interpretations.

Responds to 2 comments on the oneness experiments of L. H. Silverman et al (1978, 1985). While W. T. O'Dowd (1987) rightly notes that O. Rank's (1929) work on symbiosis and separation–individuation occurred before that of M. S. Mahler et al (1949, 1955, 1975), Mahler posits a more gradual process than does Rank. The suggestion of J. K. Tabin and C. J. Tabin (1987) that the positive effects of the "Mommy and I are one" subliminal stimulus may be attributable to the sanctioning of Oedipal-sexual fantasies could be incorporated into the symbiotic hypothesis and deserves further research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of direct instructions to modify hypnotic performance: The effects of programmed learning procedures.

Examined the extent to which hypnotic performance could be modified by means of written instructions designed to maximize S attention to hypnotic facilitative information. Ss were 48 hypnotically naive college students with low or moderate scores on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility. Information (termed "active") which had been previously demonstrated effective in increasing responsiveness to hypnosis was administered to Ss either according to a programed learning format (programed active information group) or in a more traditionally read manner (active information group). An additional group read historical information concerning hypnosis (termed "passive" information), while a 4th group (no-treatment control) was not exposed to any information concerning hypnosis. All Ss were given a tape recorded, modified version of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale following treatment, and behavioral as well as subjective self-report scores were obtained. As predicted, the programed active treatment was most effective in facilitating responsiveness. However, the active and passive treatments were not significantly different from each other. The role played by such mediating mechanisms as attention and motivational information is discussed. The limitations of this paradigm, along with the methodological and conceptual implications for more enduring modifications of hypnotic susceptibility, are considered. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Inconsistencies and anomalies of response as a defining characteristic of hypnosis.

Investigated the hypothesis that a major defining characteristic of hypnosis can be observed in inconsistencies and in gross anomalies in the hypnotized person's behavior, as has been suggested by M. T. Orne (1974). This hypothesis was evaluated using hypnotic age regression to index inconsistencies and anomalies. 44 undergraduates were selected for high, medium, and low hypnotic susceptibility, and the insusceptible Ss were given Orne's simulation instructions. All Ss were hypnotically age regressed to age 5 yrs and presented with 15 standard questions previously sampled from a group of 20 kindergarten children. Immediately afterwards, the Ss were regressed to age 1 yr and presented with 3 further questions. The central hypothesis of the study was supported partially in that the highly susceptible Ss showed significantly greater inconsistency in their response, as defined in terms of 3 different criterion measures. There was no evidence of significantly more gross anomaly in their responses. Results indicate that hypnotized, highly susceptible Ss in hypnosis differ from less susceptible Ss in terms of qualitative differences in their cognitive functioning and in their subjective experience of hypnosis. (8 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Toward a convergence in hypnosis research.

Theory construction and research in the area of hypnosis centers around 2 alternative paradigms. One paradigm employs hypothetical constructs such as "hypnotic state" and "trance" to organize the data, while the alternative paradigm rejects these constructs and employs others more closely tied to contemporary social psychology. Recent theoretical formulations proffered by major proponents of both paradigms are reviewed. It is concluded that the 2 paradigms appear to be moving toward a rapproachment on 2 broad generalizations: (a) A willingness to cooperate with the hypnotist constitutes an important but not sufficient condition for hypnotic performance. (b) Ss respond overtly and experientially to hypnotic suggestions when they become involved in suggestion-related imaginings. The empirical evidence supporting both generalizations is summarized, and future research directions are indicated. (96 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychoanalytic theory: "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."

Discusses 2 independent ongoing research programs investigating the relationship between psychopathology and unconscious libidinal and aggressive wishes. In the 1st program conducted by the author (see record 1971-31262-001) laboratory experiments using a "subliminal psychodynamic activation"with 39 groups of from 26-8 clinical Ss supported the hypothesis that presentation (tachistoscopic) of wish-related stimuli (vs presentation of neutral stimuli) affected the level of manifest psychopathology. Additional support came from 16 experiments (using a similar design) with over 400 persons with primary process ego pathology, depression, homosexuality, or stuttering: subliminal exposure of stimuli led to intensification of pathology on a variety of psychological tests. Another series of studies with over 200 Ss led to decreased primary process ego pathology in schizophrenics by reducing conflict through activating a fantasy of symbiotic gratification. The 2nd major research program was developed by J. Reyher (1958 and 1967) and his associates and used hypnotic suggestion with "normal" college students to confirm that activation of aggressive and subliminal mental contents can stimulate pathology. Overall results illustrate theory validation by converging operations and pose a substantive challenge to critics of psychoanalytic theory. (2 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)