In this report we use a dense array (129 electrodes) EEG procedure to examine the effects of hypnotic susceptibility and hypnotic suggestions on electrocortical and self-report measures of painful stimuli. Self-report and event-related potential measures of six high and six low hypnotic susceptible individuals in response to pain were examined during an initial baseline condition and following ...

In two papers, Pekala et al. (2010a, 2010b) reviewed and empirically assessed the relationships among response expectancies, hypnotic suggestibility, spontaneous alterations in consciousness following a hypnotic induction, and hypnotic depth. We appreciate their attempt to integrate diverse facets of hypnotic responding and reconcile seemingly competing accounts of hypnosis. In addition, we app...

A theory of hypnosis based mainly on principles of conditioning and inhibition is proposed, covering the hypnotic induction process, hypnotic phenomena and post-hypnotic phenomena. The overall explanation presented is delineated in a set of three initial postulates and seven subsequent hypotheses. Hypnotic induction is defined as the giving of a series of suggestions so that a positive response...

Asperugo procumbens L. has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the refreshing, tranquillizing and mood elevating activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant and sedative-hypnotic potential of acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant in mice. Additionally, the effects of flumazenil on the hypnotic activity of the extracts were eva...

Hypnotic analgesia in some respects resembles opiate analgesia. We tested the hypothesis that some features of hypnotic analgesia are mediated through neuronal pathways activating specific opiate receptors in brain. The opiate antagonist naloxone had no effect on hypnotic analgesia in three subjects. Thus, the hypothesis was not confirmed.

Asperugo procumbens L. has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the refreshing, tranquillizing and mood elevating activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant and sedative-hypnotic potential of acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant in mice. Additionally, the effects of flumazenil on the hypnotic activity of the extracts were eva...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between quantitative electroencephalograph relative amplitude, relative power and hypnotic susceptibility. Hypnotic susceptibility, measured by the Wickramasekera Experience Inventory, was found to be positively correlated with QEEG theta relative amplitude (r = 0.260, p < .10). In addition, hypnotic susceptibility was found to be ne...

Disparate theoretical viewpoints construe hypnotic suggestibility either as a stable trait, largely determined by underlying cognitive aptitude, or as a flexible skill amenable to attitudinal factors including beliefs and expectations. Circumscribed findings support both views. The present study attempted to consolidate these orthogonal perspectives through the lens of expectancy modification. ...

This study assessed response times and accuracy of motor imagery in waking and hypnotic states and to related responses to hypnotic experiences. The Vividness of Motor Imagery Questionnaire (VMIQ) was administered to 47 participants. A mental walking task was then performed in the waking state. In hypnosis, the same task was included within an imaginary journey after a hypnotic induction. An in...

The present study investigated the effectiveness of an operant conditioning approach for increasing hypnotic susceptibility. Results revealed significant increases in hypnotic susceptibility, significant generalization to a new set of more difficult items, and no substantial decrease in the stability of improvement. Attitudinal, motivational, and learning factors were considered in relation to ...