Phenomenological experience in response to monotonous drumming and hypnotizability

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Consciousness Studies

Background:

• Hypnosis and monotonous stimuli are known to alter consciousness.
• Understanding the interplay between external stimuli and hypnotic states is crucial for exploring subjective experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of stimulus order (drumming before vs. after hypnosis) on objective and subjective trance levels.
• To explore the relationship between trance depth and reported subjective experiences during monotonous drumming.

Main Methods:

• 206 participants underwent a 15-minute monotonous drumming session, either before or after hypnosis (Harvard scale).
• The Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) assessed subjective trance levels during the final 4 minutes of drumming.
• Objective trance levels were measured using the Harvard scale, while subjective trance was indicated by hypnoidal scores derived from the PCI.

Main Results:

• Stimulus order did not significantly impact objective trance levels (Harvard scores).
• Subjective trance levels (hypnoidal scores) were significantly higher when drumming preceded hypnosis.
• Participants' average trance susceptibility fell within the medium range (5-8).
• Higher hypnoidal and Harvard scores correlated with increased reports of relaxation and shamanic-type experiences.

Conclusions:

• The order of stimuli presentation influences subjective, but not objective, measures of trance.
• Drumming preceding hypnosis enhances the subjective experience of trance.
• Trance depth is associated with specific subjective experiences, including relaxation and shamanic phenomena.