Hypnotizability and response to EMG relaxation training

This study examines the relationship between Spiegel's Hypnotic Induction profile (HIP) and ability to perform EMG relaxation under conditions of self-induced and audio-assisted biofeedback training. One hundred women volunteered for screening with Spiegel's test for hypnotizability. Thirty students were then selected from the top, middle, and bottom of the HIP scoring distribution for EMG biofeedback training in relaxation. Three treatment trials included baseline, EMG biofeedback with self-induced relaxation, and EMG biofeedback with audio relaxation instructions. Contrary to predictions, high HIPs were not significantly different from low HIPs on any of the treatment measures, although all students showed a training effect. The middle HIPs demonstrated significantly higher levels of EMG activity than the extreme groups.