ABSTRACT
The presence of developmental factors in hypnosis became evident in the course of an interviewing program at the Stanford laboratory in 1960. The first published communication bore the title “Developmental-Interactive Aspects of Hypnosis.” This chapter explores how the development of fantasy life from the time of early childhood nurtures the capacity for the absorbing experiences that characterize the hypnotizable individual. It directs attention to the stimulus-aroused experiences that start very early in life, then continue on to the development of independent fantasy in the preschool and school years. The stage hypnotist relies primarily upon fantasy portrayed in action, so that the audience may be entertained. The hypnotic procedures are introduced subtly and informally that the reader miss the extent to which some of the familiar features of hypnosis have been used. The child’s persistence in keeping the eyes open in pretend play and in protohypnosis has gradually given way to a preference for fantasied action within hypnosis with eyes closed.
