An experimental demonstration of hypnosis as role enactment.

3 variables drawn from role theory were investigated as predictors of hypnotic responsiveness: congruence of self and role (assessed by questionnaire); role expectations (assessed by questionnaire); and role-taking aptitude (drama students vs. science students). 168 Ss (78 drama students, 91 science students) were administered the 2 questionnaires and the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility. 2 hypotheses were tested. (1) Ss high on any 1 of the variables would show more hypnotic responsiveness than Ss low on the same variable. (2) Ss high on all 3 variables would show more hypnotic responsiveness than those high on 2 variables; Ss high on 2 variables would show more hypnotic responsiveness than those high on 1 variable; and so on. Hypothesis 1 was confirmed for role-expectation and role-taking aptitude but not for congruence of self and role. Hypothesis 2 was confirmed. Qualifications of the variables and implications for further research were discussed.