Trance Induction Research Articles

The creative imagination scale as a measure of hypnotic responsiveness: applications to experimental and clinical hypnosis.

Abstract Existing scales that measure responses to suggestions are too authoritarian, imply to subjects that they are under the control of the experimenter or hypnotist, usually require a preceding trance induction, and were not constructed to be administered as easily in both a group and in an individual setting. To meet the need for a nonauthoritarian scale which (a) informs subjects that they are to produce the phenomena themselves, (b) can be given with or without a trance induction, and (c) can be administered as easily to an individual or to a group, a permissive scale measuring responsiveness to suggestions was constructed and was named the Creative Imagination Scale. The new scale includes 10 items (test-suggestions) that ask subjects to think and imagine, for example, that an arm is heavy, a finger is becoming numb, they are eating a delicious orange, they feel that time is slowing down, and they are reexperiencing themselves back in childhood. In a series of investigations, norms for the scale were developed and the scale was shown to have satisfactory test-retest reliability, split-half reliability, and factorial validity. The Creative Imagination Scale has been found to be a useful measure in four recent experimental studies and it should also prove useful in clinical settings.

HYPNOSIS, SUGGESTIONS, AND ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS: EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF THE NEW COGNITIVE‐BEHAVIORAL THEORY AND THE TRADITIONAL TRANCE‐STATE THEORY OF “HYPNOSIS”*

Sixty-six subjects were tested on a new scale for evaluating "hypnotic-like" experiences (The Creative Imagination Scale), which includes ten standardized test-suggestions (e.g. suggestions for arm heaviness, finger anesthesia, time distortion, and age regression). The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (Think-With Instructions, trance induction, and Control), with 22 subjects to each group. The new Cognitive-Behavioral Theory predicted that subjects exposed to preliminary instructions designed to demonstrate how to think and imagine along with the suggested themes (Think-With Instructions) would be more responsive to test-suggestions for anesthesia, time distortion, age regression, and so on, than subjects exposed to a trance-induction procedure. On the other hand, the traditional Trance State Theory predicted that a trance induction would be more effective than Think-With Instructions in enhancing responses to such suggestions. Subjects exposed to the Think-With Instructions obtained significantly higher scores on the test-suggestions than those exposed either to the traditional trance-induction procedure or to the control treatment. Scores of subjects who received the trance-induction procedure were not significantly different from those of the subjects who received the control treatment. The results thus supported the new Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and contradicted the traditional Trance State Theory of hypnosis. Two recent experiments, by De Stefano and by Katz, confirmed the above experimental results and offered further support for the Cognitive-Behavioral Theory. In both recent experiments, subjects randomly assigned to a "Think-With Instructions" treatment were more responsive to test-suggestions than those randomly assigned to a traditional trance-induction treatment.

Brief Group Treatment of Obesity through Ancillary Self-Hypnosis

Abstract This treatment paradim was developed to increase subjects' control over food intake while considering the economics of time and expense to the client. A three session treatment was provided for 40 subjects. A standard trance induction was followed by a series of behavior specific suggestions related to control of eating. Mean weight loss was 12.6 pounds three months posttreatment and 9.5 six months posttreatment. A discussion of the treatment merits and deficits follows the verbatim therapy procedure.

Psychotherapy as adjunct in treatment of vomiting during pregnancy.

Adjunctive psychotherapeutic measures were used to treat ten consecutive pregnant women referred to a psychiatric consultation service because of severe intractable vomiting. In addition to customary medical measures, they received three types of psychotherapy: (1) supportive psychotherapy (establishment of positive relationship, frequent reassuring conversations, and encouragement of expression of thoughts and feelings); (2) hypnotherapy (trance induction and suggestions of comfort in the gastrointestinal tract, desirability of feeling of substance in stomach, and ability to retain and digest food eaten); and (3) behavior modification (positive reinforcement for retaining food and gaining weight, through granting desirable considerations such as visitors, radio, television, and being up in or outside the room). Results were encouraging. Nine patients recovered and completed normal pregnancies, while one improved but later aborted due to other complications. When compared with a control group of routinely treated patients, recovery was more rapid.

Two level communication and the microdynamics of trance and suggestion.

Abstract The authors provide the transcript and commentaries of an hypnotic induction and an effort to achieve automatic writing. An unusual blend of Erickson's approaches to two level communication, dissociation, voice dynamics and indirect suggestion are made explicit in the commentaries. The junior author offers a “context theory of two level communication” that conceptualizes Erickson's clinical approaches in terms consonant with Jenkins' (1974) recent contextual approach to verbal associations and memory. A summary of the microdynamics of Erickson's approach to trance induction and suggestion is outlined together with a utilization theory of hypnotic suggestion.

Acupuncture and hypnosis: Effects on induced pain

The reactions of 14 volunteers to electrical stimulation near the supraorbital nerve were studied under acupuncture, placebo-acupuncture, and hypnosis. As the intensity of stimulation increased, a minimum sensation, a minimum pain, and then a maximum or intolerable pain sensation were produced. Under hypnosis the average intensity of the stimulus for producing these sensations was higher than before the trance induction. Under acupuncture and placebo-acupuncture no clear increase in current intensity was observed. Acupuncture, as well as hypnosis, did not consistently change the blood, blood pressure, pulse rate, EKG, respiratory rate, or EEG.

Psychogenic seizure states: a psychodynamic study.

Abstract 2 cases are clinically reported to examine the hypothesis that psychogenic seizure states may be reproduced by hypnotic trance induction and represent a defense against overwhelming anxieties concerning unconscious incestuous feelings. The preliminary report suggests in these cases that massive repression of love-hate drives was responsible for the symptom choice and served as a denial of these drives from consciousness. It is implied in this report that hypnosis may represent a technique for eliciting these unconscious motivations and could serve as both a diagnostic and a psychotherapeutic modality for the clearer evaluation and treatment of such phenomena.

Hypnosis: Physiological, Pharmacological Reality

Normal volunteers were successfully hypnotized using a videotape induction technique. EEG measurements were made before trance induction, during induction, and during objective testing of the depth of hypnosis. Electronic analysis of EEG records revealed a significant correlation between hypnotizability and certain EEG patterns, including the presence of very fast activity. During the trance-induction and trance-testing periods, good hypnotic subjects showed a significant decrease in slow activity and an increase in alpha and beta waves. In later experiments, such psychotropic drugs as LSD-25 and dextroamphetamine were found to alter hypnotizability.

Hypnotic projection in brief psychotherapy.

Abstract This report describes the use of familiar visual imagery for rapid trance induction and deepening. Examples of several variations also indicate the ease with which repressed memories can be uncovered; and a few brief case abstracts illustrate the variety of clinical applicability.

The hypnotic psychotherapy of Milton H. Erickson.

Abstract The principles of hypnosis and suggestion permeate most of Milton Erickson's psychotherapy, although formal trance induction is used in less than ten percent. Characteristic of Erickson's style is his indirect manner of phrasing suggestions or interpretations. They come not as outside impositions, but as subtle manipulations leading the patient to institute constructive behavior from within, often without full conscious awareness. Usually Erickson first attempts to meet the patient at the patient's level, thereby gaining rapport. As trust is developed, he modifies the patient's productions by covert suggestions, thereby gaining control. In this manner, he is able to convert a chaotic psychotic hallucination into an orderly hypnotic one, or the desperate cries of a terminal cancer patient into hypnotic anesthesia. As interpreted here, Erickson's therapeutic approaches can be divided into three categories. First are techniques resembling modern behavior therapy, with frequent use of desensitization...

Investigations of Hypnosis Utilizing Induction by Video Tape

• Hypnosis is a valuable adjunctive medical technique, although it is not, as some have proposed, a system of medicine or cure-all treatment. It has been used in psychiatry, where its appropriate application in selected cases can expedite and shorten the process of psychotherapy. We have defined hypnotizability as the ability to accept uncritically and to act upon a verbal or nonverbal suggestion given either directly or indirectly, either deliberately or inadvertently;. This is an intrinsic characteristic of the human mind which is present in all individuals to a variable degree and operative more or less all of the time. The induction procedure of the hypnotic trance is the very art of hypnosis itself, and there are probably as many varieties of induction techniques as there are hypnotists and as many subvarieties as there are subjects. Trance induction has long been viewed as a highly subjective phenomenon, dependent upon an intimate personal relationship that develops between the hypnotist and his subject, or the doctor and the patient, and hence it has not often been subjected to objective investigation. Although mechanical aids, such as metronomes, pendulums, and the like may

Hyperventilation as an accelerated hypnotic induction technique.

Abstract The author describes a rationale and procedure for the use of hyperventilation as a facilitator of hypnotic trance induction. Results with 56 neurotic patients are reported.

An Instance of Trance Induction in a Deaf Mute by Pantomine and the Patient's Needs

An Instance of Trance Induction in a Deaf Mute by Pantomine and the Patient's Needs

Trance induction under unusual circumstances.

Abstract In Order to obtain a test under naturalistic field conditions of the possible facilitory or inhibitory effects of ongoing tasks on hypnotizability and the interaction of such effects with S's set either to oppose or not oppose entering hypnosis, a series of Ss were hypnotized either singly or in groups while they were performing a variety of tasks typical of those encountered in office or factory situations. Included were such tasks as typewriting, reading a book, engaging in creative writing, performing the Bennett Hand Tool Dexterity and the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation tests, and performing the Pennsylvania Bi-Manual Worksample. In many cases, it was found that hypnosis could be induced under these conditions.

Hypnotizability and prediction of hypnotizability in hospitalized psychotic patients.

Abstract A study was made of the hypnotizability of 26 hospitalized psychotic patients. On the basis of a single 30-minute attempt at trance induction, 16 of 26 patients were found to be hypnotizable. Certain clinical predictions correlated significantly with degree of hypnotizability. These were: cooperativeness, compliance, and an overall prediction after a brief interview. Preoccupation and loss of contact produced significant negative correlations with hypnotizability. There was no trend of hypnotizability according to diagnosis, and no ill effects were observed.

THE ROLE OF PHOTIC STIMULATION IN THE INDUCTION OF HYPNOTIC TRANCE.

Abstract The relative effectiveness of the ordinary verbal method of trance induction is compared with 2 forms of induction utilizing mechanical photic stimulation, and with methods combining the personal and mechanical features. The criterion of trance adopted was the compulsive carrying out of a difficult suggestion. Results show that mechanical procedures alone are ineffective. On the other hand, the addition of a particular sort of photic driving probably improves trance induction, which suggests that induction is a complex matter involving both social interactions and relatively non-meaningful impacts on the brain.

HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS: AN HYPOTHESIS.

Abstract The hypothesis is advanced that some accidents on modern superhighways may best be attributed to a form of naturally-occurring hypnosis. Factors conducive to trance induction, such as monotony and bright points of fixation, are discussed. Illustrative verbal reports of trance-like experiences while driving are presented. It is shown that hypnotized subjects can successfully perform complex driving behavior. Methods of minimizing the trance inductive effects while driving are discussed.

A Transcript of a Trance Induction with Commentary

A Transcript of a Trance Induction with Commentary

Naturalistic Techniques of Hypnosis

The naturalistic approach to the problem of the induction of hypnotic trances, as opposed to formalized ritualistic procedures of trance induction, merits much more investigation, experimentation and study than have been accorded it to date. By naturalistic approach is meant the acceptance of the situation encountered and the utilization of it, without endeavoring to restructure it psychologically. In so doing, the presenting behavior of the patient becomes a definite aid and an actual part in inducing a trance, rather than a possible hindrance. For lack of a more definite terminology, the method may be termed a naturalistic approach, in which an aspect of the principle of synergism is utilized. Basic to this naturalistic approach are the interrelationships and the interdependencies reported by this writer in 1943 and repeatedly confirmed in experience since then. In these studies emphasis was placed upon the desirability of utilizing one modality of response as an integral part in the eliciting of responses in another modality and upon the dependency upon each other of differing modalities of behavior, somewhat analogous to the increasing of the knee jerk by a tensing of the arm muscles. To illustrate and clarify these points, a number of reports will be cited.

Effect of Repeated Verbal Stimulation upon a Flexor-Extensor Relationship

Previous work with psychiatric patients has indicated that repeated verbal stimulation, without induction of hypnotic trance, may produce definite — though transitory — personality changes. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether such repeated verbal stimulation would affect an objectively measurable physiological state. Accordingly, we chose to study flexor-extensor (biceps-triceps) dominance of the right upper arm. Several means designed to increase the effectiveness of repeated verbal stimulation were employed. Prior to verbal stimulation, electromyographic recordings were carried out in order to determine the amount and direction of dominance in the flexor-extensor relationship. In three of four patients, the prestimulation recordings revealed flexor dominance with only slight extensor dominance in the fourth patient. In all four cases a recorded statement to the effect that the right arm was extending was played repeatedly to the patient. Results showed that in all four cases there was a statistically significant shift in the direction of greater extensor dominance. Evidence was cited favoring the conclusion that the positive effects of repeated verbal stimulation were not simply produced by voluntary muscular contraction or posturing on the part of the patients. The relevance of present findings to problems in the field of psychosomatic medicine is suggested.