Lateral eye movements, hypnotic susceptibility and field independence-dependence

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Lateral eye movements (LEMs) are hypothesized to reflect differential cerebral hemispheric activation.
• Previous studies suggest a link between LEMs and cognitive processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between left-gazing behavior (indicating right-hemispheric activity) and field-dependence.
• To explore the association between left-gazing behavior and hypnotic susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 48 female participants.
• Assessed field-dependence using the Embedded Figures Test and the Stroop test.
• Measured hypnotic susceptibility and recorded lateral eye movements during cognitive tasks.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between left-gazing and field-dependence.
• Left-gazing was also positively related to hypnotic susceptibility.
• These associations suggest a common neural basis.

Conclusions:

• Right-hemispheric activity, indicated by left-gazing, is associated with field-dependence.
• Right-hemispheric processes appear to mediate hypnotic susceptibility.
• Field-dependence and hypnotic susceptibility may share underlying right-hemispheric mechanisms.