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On Suggestibility and Placebo: A Follow-Up Study
Michael Lifshitz1,2, Eli O Sheiner1, Jay A Olson1
1a McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.
The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
|March 17, 2017
Summary
This study could not replicate previous findings on hypnotic suggestibility and placebo response. Placebo effects on relaxation appear unreliable, suggesting complex interactions influence outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Placebo response variability presents a significant challenge in clinical research.
- Previous research suggested a link between hypnotic suggestibility and placebo sedative effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate a prior study investigating the relationship between hypnotic suggestibility and placebo response.
- To assess the reliability of placebo effects on subjective and physiological measures of relaxation.
Main Methods:
- A replication study with 34 participants was conducted.
- Participants received a placebo capsule described as either a herbal sedative or inert.
- Placebo response was measured using blood pressure, heart rate, and self-reported relaxation/drowsiness.
Main Results:
- The correlation between hypnotic suggestibility and placebo response was not replicated.
- Heart rate decreased in the relaxation condition, but subjective relaxation ratings did not change.
- Physiological and subjective responses to placebos were found to be inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Placebo effects may be unreliable and context-dependent.
- The findings suggest a complex interplay of traits, expectancies, and environmental factors in placebo response.
- Further research with adequate statistical power is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of placebo effects.
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