Evaluation of Hypnotically-Suggested Selective Deafness by Heart-Rate Conditioning and Reaction Time

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of suggested selective deafness on heart-rate conditioning and reaction time. 20 highly hypnotizable subjects were randomly assigned to four groups (hypnotic, post-hypnotic, motivational, and control). After the establishment of the heart-rate conditioned response, a suggestion of selective deafness for the CS was given, followed by 15 trials of extinction; subsequently, the suggestion was lifted and 15 additional trials were given. The results show that the suggestion did not influence the heart-rate conditioned response, nor did it influence reaction time. The discussion centers around subjective aspects and methodological factors; also, the data are interpreted in relation to the “hidden observer” model.

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