[On the nature of regressive state in hypnosis: a study by word-association-test]

The purpose of this study is to reveal the nature of regressive state in hypnosis by means of word-association-test (WAT). Stimulus words for WAT, pronounced without intonation, was presented to hypnotic, control, and distraction groups. At the first test, all groups were under awaken state, and at the second test, hypnotic group was under hypnosis, distraction group was under distraction. (1) Under hypnosis, more visual images (signifié-images) and clang associations (significant-images) were imagined. The hypnosis was supposed to be a partial, controlled "regression in the service of the ego", and in this state the lexical meaning was not dissolved, but the unity among person, symbol, and referential object in Werner & Kaplan's sense was restored by the images. (2) The results suggest that hypnosis is different from distraction state, and is a state of specific concentration. (3) Since the signifié-image was contrary to the significant-image, these two were regarded as two aspects of regressive state in hypnosis. These two aspects are manifestation of emotional problems and restoration of body-mind unity.