ABSTRACT

Regardless of how one defines the term hypnosis (and there is much debate), few would argue about the relevance or importance of measuring hypnotizability. The term hypnotizability or susceptibility to hypnosis reflects a trait characteristic of the individual and denotes the ability of that individual to respond to suggested events. Vivid experiences accompany that response; for example, the suggested events appear real or are responded to in an involuntary way and reflect the trait in operation. Hypnotizable persons have cognitive abilities suitable for eliciting a range of phenomena, and these are defined primarily in terms of the experiences that they evoke. There is no theory of hypnosis discounted by the abilities in question being manifest in the waking state, although some theories would assert that certain abilities are enhanced when an individual enters hypnosis. When imagery is aroused by a suggestion to imagine that a cold wind is blowing, for example, it has been argued that the imagery is stronger in hypnosis than out of it.