ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the problem of the depth of state of consciousness (SoCs), with main reference to the hypnotic state, in terms of a theoretical model under development which is applicable to all altered SoCs. It reviews the literature on self-report scales of hypnotic depth, one technique of measuring depth. The practical strategy for investigating the depth continuum for a given SoC would be to start with some important effect of that state that one could vary easily, say, for example, by suggestion in hypnosis. Using the individual subject as a unit, a set of interrelationships of various phenomena with respect to hypnotic depth has been found; self-reported depth has ordered observed phenomena in a useful and theoretically important manner. The high and medium susceptible subjects tended to show increases in their self-reports of hypnotic depth through the course of the suggestibility testing, indicating that the suggestibility test items may also function as deepening procedures.
