NOVEMBER 1999, VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2, Abstract 7
A Metaphor for Hypnosis
Antonio Capafons, University of Valencia
Ana Alarcón, University of Valencia
Martin Hemmings, University of Salamanca
A study examined the nature and utility of a metaphor for hypnosis. After rapport-building and administration of one of two active hypnosis techniques (waking-alert hypnosis and active-alert hypnosis), a metaphor was offered to 60 volunteers. After metaphor, participants received the Barber Suggestibility Scale and the Metaphor Questionnaire from which participants’ changes in attitude, comprehension of the metaphor, and imagination and experienced sensation variables were measured. Statistical analysis indicated that the metaphor was useful in consolidating attitudes towards hypnosis, while 70% of the participants thought that the metaphor would be useful for them in their everyday lives. No significant differences were found between imagination scores and comprehension of the metaphor. Suggestibility levels did not affect changes in attitude towards hypnosis. Women achieved significantly higher imagination and experienced-sensation scores that did men. It was concluded that the metaphor can be a useful complement to rapport-building.