Standardized Hypnotizability Assessment and Rapport Education (SHARE)

The Elkins Hypnotizability Scale (EHS) provides a brief, pleasant, and safe assessment of the full hypnotizability spectrum, with proven reliability and validity for clinical and experimental use. This paper presents the Standardized Hypnotizability Assessment and Rapport Education (SHARE), a training program developed to teach research assistants-typically psychology or medical students-the administration of standardized hypnotizability scales. The training includes five steps: (1) gaining personal experience with the scales, (2) observing expert administration, (3) studying the scales and learning about hypnosis, (4) attending a seminar on theoretical background, standardized rapport, and safety considerations, and (5) conducting 6 practice sessions with each scale. The article provides a comprehensive guide for managing the training to help its implementation in any research lab. We also discuss the training's safety and benefits for trainees. Findings from focus groups of research assistants working at the Mind-Body Medicine Laboratory (Baylor University) and the Behavioral Medicine and Research Credibility Laboratory (Eötvös Loránd University) are also presented, giving further perspective on each step of the training.