Phobias and Hypnotizability: A reexamination

Abstract

25 phobic Ss were administered the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) of Weitzenhoffer and E. R. Hilgard (1962). The mean SHSS:C score was 3.5 (S.D. = 2.6), which was lower than that obtained by comparison groups. The results are in direct opposition to previous results and the predictions of Frankel (1974; Frankel & M. T. Orne, 1976). Potential explanations for the discrepancy in results are discussed, including the possibility that previous studies used unrepresentative samples of phobics. It is suggested that hypnosis may sometimes play a role in the production of phobic symptoms but that other processes must be considered as well.