Empirical evidence for a theory of hypnotic behavior: Effects on suggestibility of five variables typically included in hypnotic induction procedures.

3 experiments were conducted to ascertain the relative effects on suggestibility of the following 5 components that are typically included in present-day hypnotic induction procedures: 1—defining the situation to S as "hypnosis"; 2—instructing S to close his eyes; 3—administering suggestions of relaxation, drowsiness, and sleep; 4—administering motivational instructions; and 5—suggesting that it is easy to respond to further suggestions. Component 1, by itself, tended to facilitate response to test suggestions of arm levitation, thirst hallucination, body immobility, selective amnesia, etc. Component 1 in combination with Component 3 produced a higher level of suggestibility than Component 1 alone. Components 4 and 5 in combination were as effective as Components 1 and 3 in combination in facilitating response to test suggestions. Component 2 did not exert a noticeable effect on response. (25 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)