AN ATTEMPT AT EXPERIMENTAL MODIFICATION OF HYPNOTIZABILITY THROUGH REPEATED INDIVIDUALIZED HYPNOTIC EXPERIENCE

Abstract

In an initial attempt to investigate whether the level of hypnotic susceptibility can be experimentally modified, ten subjects of moderate susceptibility were given individualized hypnotic experience in 4–10 sessions and tested with objective hypnosis scales before and after the experience. Some quantitative and qualitative results are presented. They indicate that in most individuals routinely measured hypnotizability can be changed for the better within a certain range, but that dramatic changes as a rule will not take place.