Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Hypnotizability and response to EMG relaxation training

  • Original Articles
  • Published:
Biofeedback and Self-regulation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between Spiegel's Hypnotic Induction profile (HIP) and ability to perform EMG relaxation under conditions of self-induced and audio-assisted biofeedback training. One hundred women volunteered for screening with Spiegel's test for hypnotizability. Thirty students were then selected from the top, middle, and bottom of the HIP scoring distribution for EMG biofeedback training in relaxation. Three treatment trials included baseline, EMG biofeedback with self-induced relaxation, and EMG biofeedback with audio relaxation instructions. Contrary to predictions, high HIPs were not significantly different from low HIPs on any of the treatment measures, although all students showed a training effect. The middle HIPs demonstrated significantly higher levels of EMG activity than the extreme groups.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Reference Note

  • Dumas, R. A.Hypnotizability and biofeedback. Paper presented to the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Los Angeles, October 1977.

References

  • Andreychuk, T., & Skriver, C. Hypnosis and biofeedback in the treatment of migraine headaches.International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 1975,23 172–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barefoot, J. C. Anxiety and volunteering.Psychonomic Science 1969,16 283–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Budzynski, T. H. Forehead and facial relaxation. InRelaxation training programs. New York: Bio Monitoring Applications, 1974. (Audiotape)

    Google Scholar 

  • Engstrom, D. R. Interactional effects of muscle tension and EEG alpha production on hypnotic susceptibility.A.P.A. Proceedings, Honolulu, September 1972.

  • Friedman, H., & Taub, H. A. A six month follow-up of the case of hypnosis and biofeedback procedures in essential hypertension.American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 1978,20 184–188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nowles, D. P., & Rhead, J. C. Relation of eyes-closed resting EEG alpha to hypnotic susceptibility.Perceptual and Motor Skills 1968,27 1047–1050.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarbin, T. R., & Slagle, R. W. Hypnosis and psychophysiological outcomes. In E. Fromm & R. E. Shor (Eds.),Hypnosis: Research developments and perspectives. Chicago: Aldine-Atherton, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  • Speigel, H., & Speigel, D.Trance and treatment: Clinical issues of hypnosis. New York: Basic Books, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wickramasekera, I. E. Effects of EMG feedback on hypnotic susceptibility.Journal of Abnormal Psychology 1973,82 74–77.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York

    William J. Di Scipio

  2. Hunter College of the City University of New York, USA

    Patricia A. Weigand

Authors
  1. William J. Di Scipio
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Patricia A. Weigand
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Di Scipio, W.J., Weigand, P.A. Hypnotizability and response to EMG relaxation training. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 6, 493–499 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00998734

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00998734

Keywords

Search

Navigation