Dispositional correlates of hypnosis: a phenomenological approach.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Hypnosis Research

Background:

• Hypnotic-like experiences are complex phenomena.
• Shor's (1979) 8-dimension model provides a framework for understanding these experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct and validate a questionnaire measuring hypnotic-like experiences based on Shor's (1979) model.
• To assess the reliability and validity of the newly developed scales.
• To determine the predictive power of these scales for hypnotizability.

Main Methods:

• Item pools were created for 8 dispositional dimensions of hypnosis.
• A final questionnaire with 5 items per domain was developed after preliminary testing (N=856).
• Reliability (internal consistency, test-retest) and factor analysis were conducted on a standardization sample (N=468).
• Validation testing involved correlating scale scores with the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) (N=1855).

Main Results:

• Most subscales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability, except for Archaic Involvement.
• Factor analysis revealed a common factor similar to absorption, with Relaxation and Archaic Involvement forming separate factors.
• Absorption and Trance dimensions showed the strongest correlations with HGSHS:A; Drowsiness, Relaxation, and Nonconscious Involvement showed near-zero correlations.
• The developed scales did not enhance prediction of hypnotizability beyond the absorption scale alone.

Conclusions:

• The questionnaire effectively measures hypnotic-like experiences, with Absorption and Trance being key dimensions related to hypnotizability.
• While most scales are reliable, their predictive utility for hypnotizability is limited, suggesting the absorption construct is a primary factor.
• Further research may refine the measurement of specific hypnotic dimensions and their relationship to susceptibility.