Compliance and Suggested Deafness in Hypnotic and Nonhypnotic Subjects

Abstract

On each of three trials high and low hypnotizables rated the loudness of a tone after its termination. Trial 1 was a baseline and Trial 2 was preceded by hypnotic or nonhypnotic deafness suggestions. Trial 3 was not preceded by instructions. After its termination, but before giving their loudness ratings, half the subjects in each condition were given instructions designed to induce false reports of hearing loss. High hypnotizables and low hypnotizable nonhypnotic subjects reported greater loudness reductions to both the suggestion (Trial 2) and the compliance instruction (Trial 3) than did low hypnotizable hypnotic subjects. Trial 2 deafness reports and Trial 3 compliance reports were highly correlated and, in hypnotic subjects, hypnotizability and Trial 3 compliance reports were significantly correlated. These findings indicate that the occurrence of demand-induced reporting bias is common in hypnotic settings, and constitutes an integral part of hypnotic responding.