Potential Effect of Repetitive Hypnotic Inductions on Subjectively Rated Hypnotizability: A Brief Report

This study aimed to describe the potential influence of repetitive hypnotic inductions on hypnotizability, presentation of change dynamics, and comparison of 2 types of assessment. Six subjects underwent 5 subsequent hypnotic procedures. Ratings of response to hypnotic suggestions included self ratings by subjects and ratings by observers. The suggestion effects were evaluated using a 0-to-3 rating scale. Five out of 6 subjects were susceptible to suggestions; 1 was not responsive. Increase or stability, not decrease, were observed within subsequent procedures. The hypnotizability ratings increased significantly in subjects' assessment. However, there was an insignificant change in observers' assessment. Repetitive hypnotic inductions may modulate subjectively rated hypnotizability. Behavioral responses do not precisely reflect subjective experiences in the state of hypnosis.