Hypnotism as a Function of Trance State Effects, Expectancy, and Suggestibility: An Italian Replication

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Previous research identified suggestibility, trance, and expectancy as key factors in self-reported hypnotic depth (srHD).
• Stepwise regression analyses were previously used to establish these relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and expand upon prior findings regarding factors influencing srHD.
• To evaluate the utility of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory: Hypnotic Assessment Procedure (PCI-HAP) as a measure of hypnotic responsivity.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-five participants completed an Italian translation of the PCI-HAP.
• Stepwise regression analyses were performed to predict srHD scores from PCI-HAP assessment items and dimension scores.

Main Results:

• The regression analysis successfully replicated previous findings, confirming the influence of suggestibility, trance effects, and expectancy on srHD.
• PCI-HAP dimension scores alone were as effective in predicting srHD as the full assessment, simplifying the measurement process.

Conclusions:

• The findings validate previous research on hypnotic depth predictors.
• The PCI-HAP offers a viable method for assessing hypnotic responsivity, potentially enhancing understanding when integrated with other methodologies.