Hypnotizability in Bulimia

Abstract

On the basis of previous research demonstrating higher hypnotic capability and dissociative capacity in hospitalized bulimics as compared to anorexic abstainers and anorexic purgers, (Pettinati, 1985a,b), the present study investigated whether differences in hypnotic capability and dissociative capacity exist between bulimics and nonbulimics in a volunteer sample of university women. The Bulimia Test (BULIT) (Smith & Thelan, 1984) was administered to university student volunteers. Of the subjects, 42 who scored at or above a symptomatic level and the 42 who scored lowest/nonsymptomatic on the BULIT were invited to participate in an individualized interview to confirm appropriate group membership and to view a videotape explaining hypnosis and hypnosis concepts. The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C (SHSS:C) was administered individually by a research assistant blind with respect to Ss' group membership. The final bulimic group (n = 40) demonstrated significantly higher hypnotizability than did the nonbulimic (n = 42) group, however, there was no significant difference on the dissociative factor of hypnotic susceptibility.