ABSTRACT
Clinical researchers need to provide adequate documentation in respect to the type and degree of pain, the exact hypnotherapeutic techniques used, and the various outcomes. The bulk of the research on hypnosis has been done with college students and other adults. The complementary relationship between fantasy and attention provides an excellent opportunity for research on the specific interactions that bind them. The research implications of this case suggest that we need developmental studies of individuals to contrast with the study of the average trends revealed by group studies. Another requirement for clinical research on the therapy of pain is that the therapeutic practice must itself be subject to parametric study. The implication for research is that initial gains through hypnotherapy do not guarantee the endurance of an effect, and a therapist bears the responsibility for assisting in the maintenance of gains already made. Greater specificity about the amount of time to be devoted–both initially and sub-sequently–are subject to research.
