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Scales, scales and more scales
The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
|January 22, 2002
Summary
This review explores hypnosis scales, finding they primarily measure responses to suggestions, not hypnotic states. Their main utility is in research, with limited clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Hypnosis scales are instruments designed to assess hypnotic behavior.
- Existing scales vary widely in their nature, uses, and limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the nature, uses, and limitations of existing hypnosis scales.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of these scales in assessing hypnotic states versus responses to suggestions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing hypnosis scales.
- Analysis of the stated aims and actual measurements of various hypnosis assessment instruments.
Main Results:
- Most hypnosis scales primarily assess responses to suggestions, not the depth or nature of hypnotic states.
- The application of these scales is predominantly in research settings.
Conclusions:
- Hypnosis scales have significant limitations in measuring hypnotic states directly.
- While valuable for research, their clinical utility for assessing hypnotic states is restricted.