MAY 1998, VOLUME 26, NUMBER 1, Abstract 1
POST-HYPNOTIC SUGGESTION, AMNESIA, AND HYPNOTISABILITY
Amanda J. Barnier, University of New South Wales
Kevin M. McConkey, University of New South Wales
We present an analysis of post-hypnotic responding for a large sample of Australian students (N = 4,753) who completed the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A). This analysis examined the relationships among post-hypnotic suggestion, amnesia, and hypnotisability. Also, it explored the relationship with hypnotisability of other selected HGSHS:A items that were similar to post-hypnotic suggestion and amnesia, but differed in terms of the time of their administration and testing. Consistent with theoretical accounts, post-hypnotic suggestion was a relatively difficult item that was associated with amnesia in the case of some individuals. However, contrary to these accounts, post-hypnotic responding was not exclusive to these subjects and was not necessarily associated with amnesia. The findings are discussed in terms of specific factors that may influence behaviour and experience in response to a post-hypnotic suggestion.