The relationship between hypnotizability, internal imagery, and efficiency of neurolinguistic programming

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Hypnotizability is a trait influencing altered states of consciousness.
• Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity reflects emotional and cognitive processes.
• Neurolinguistic programming (NLP) is a technique aiming to change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of hypnotizability in the subjective and physiological reality of inner experiences.
• To assess the impact of hypnotizability on the effectiveness of an imagery-based NLP technique.

Main Methods:

• Compared subjective ratings and autonomic variables (heart rate, skin conductance) in high (HH) and low (LH) hypnotizable subjects.
• Evaluated responses during recall of emotionally charged past events in hypnotic and non-hypnotic states.
• Assessed the effect of an NLP intervention on emotional intensity and autonomic activity.

Main Results:

• Subjective vividness and emotional intensity were significantly higher in HH subjects.
• Autonomic activity increased during memory recall only in HH subjects.
• NLP reduced negative emotional intensity in both groups, but autonomic decline was specific to HH subjects.

Conclusions:

• Hypnotizability significantly modulates the subjective and physiological experience of recalling past events.
• Imagery-based NLP is effective in reducing negative emotional intensity, with greater autonomic benefits observed in highly hypnotizable individuals.