Effects of hypnotically suggested analgesia on physiological and subjective responses to cold stress

Evaluated relative effects of suggested analgesia and hypnotic induction regarding reduction of stress responses (self-report, heart rate, pulse volume) to the physical application of ice-water stress. 4 groups (N = 16 each) of undergraduate female Ss, equated on hypnotic susceptibility, were run in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of consulting and clinical psychology 1970-12, Vol.35 (3), p.362-371
Main Authors: Evans, Michael B, Paul, Gordon L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Analgesia
Blood Volume Determination
Cardiovascular System
Cold Temperature
Female
Heart Rate
Human
Humans
Hypnosis
Physiological Stress
Relaxation
Stress, Physiological
Suggestion
Temperature Effects
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Summary:Evaluated relative effects of suggested analgesia and hypnotic induction regarding reduction of stress responses (self-report, heart rate, pulse volume) to the physical application of ice-water stress. 4 groups (N = 16 each) of undergraduate female Ss, equated on hypnotic susceptibility, were run individually, receiving (a) hypnotic induction plus analgesic suggestion, (b) hypnotic induction alone, (c) waking self-relaxation plus analgesic suggestion, or (d) waking self-relaxation alone. The major findings were that suggestion, not hypnotic induction procedures, produced reductions in the self-report of distress, and that the degree of reduction was related to hypnotic susceptibility in both hypnotic and waking conditions. Neither suggestion nor hypnotic induction procedures resulted in reduction of the physiological stress responses monitored. Several methodological issues are discussed. Although findings add to the bulk of evidence supporting the skeptical view of hypnotic phenomena, results are related to other literature, suggesting that an adequate clinical evaluation of hypnotic analgesia has not yet been undertaken. (37 ref.)
ISSN:0022-006X
1939-2117
DOI:10.1037/h0029947