SENSORY DEPRIVATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF HYPNOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY

Investigated the effect of sensory deprivation upon hypnotic susceptibility. 10 volunteer college-age females initially resistant to hypnosis were placed in a light- and sound-attenuated sensory deprivation cubicle for a maximum of 6 hr. or until sensory deprivation phenomena were elicited. A hypnotic induction was undertaken via a communication system, while S remained in the deprivation cubicle, at a point when E judged that the sensory deprivation was sufficiently intense. Approximately 1 wk. following the experimental session, Ss submitted once again to a standard induction procedure. A control group of resistant Ss was included. Only the experimental group manifested a significant enhancement of hypnotic susceptibility, and this new level of susceptibility was maintained in the follow-up session. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.