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Hypnotizability and response to EMG relaxation training
Biofeedback and Self-Regulation
|December 1, 1981
Summary
Hypnotizability scores did not predict EMG relaxation success with biofeedback. All participants improved, but those with moderate hypnotizability showed more muscle activity than extreme groups.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Biofeedback
- Hypnosis Research
Background:
- Spiegel's Hypnotic Induction Profile (HIP) assesses hypnotizability.
- Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle activity and is used in biofeedback for relaxation.
- Previous assumptions suggested higher hypnotizability would correlate with better biofeedback-induced relaxation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between hypnotizability (HIP scores) and EMG relaxation ability.
- To compare the effectiveness of self-induced vs. audio-assisted biofeedback relaxation training.
- To determine if HIP scores predict success in EMG biofeedback relaxation.
Main Methods:
- Screened 100 women using Spiegel's hypnotizability test.
- Selected 30 students across high, middle, and low HIP score ranges.
- Administered three EMG biofeedback trials: baseline, self-induced relaxation, and audio-assisted relaxation.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in EMG relaxation between high and low hypnotizability groups.
- All participants demonstrated a training effect, improving relaxation.
- Middle hypnotizability group exhibited significantly higher EMG activity compared to extreme groups.
Conclusions:
- Hypnotizability, as measured by HIP, is not a significant predictor of EMG relaxation ability with biofeedback.
- Biofeedback training is effective for relaxation across different hypnotizability levels.
- Unexpectedly, moderate hypnotizability may be associated with less effective EMG relaxation.