An Eye-Roll Test for Hypnotizability

Abstract

The ability to look upward on signal while closing the eyelids (Eye Roll Sign) correlates highly (73.9%) with hypnotic trance capacity as measured by the Hypnotic Induction Profile in 2000 consecutive psychotherapy cases. In practical clinical terms this implies that in about five seconds the Eye Roll (ER) sign predicts hypnotizability in three out of four cases. Further, the higher the roll (0–4 scale), the higher is the trance capacity. This offers a quick, subtle, clinical way to ascertain whether or not hypnosis can have a probable role as an adjunct in the various psychotherapeutic strategies. Technic and data are presented.