Methodological and Interpretative Issues regarding the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory — Hypnotic Assessment Procedure: A Comment on Pekala et al. (2010a, 2010b)

Terhune, Devin Blair and Cardeña, Etzel. 2010. Methodological and Interpretative Issues regarding the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory — Hypnotic Assessment Procedure: A Comment on Pekala et al. (2010a, 2010b). American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 53(2), pp. 109-117. ISSN 0002-9157 [Article]

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Abstract or Description

In two papers, Pekala et al. (2010a, 2010b) reviewed and empirically assessed the relationships among response expectancies, hypnotic suggestibility, spontaneous alterations in consciousness following a hypnotic induction, and hypnotic depth. We appreciate their attempt to integrate diverse facets of hypnotic responding and reconcile seemingly competing accounts of hypnosis. In addition, we applaud their complementary use of phenomenological and hypnotic suggestibility measures. However, in their attempt to develop a clinically-viable measure of hypnotic responsiveness, we believe that they have sacrificed too much, resulting in a measure with a number of important shortcomings whose empirical utility is questionable. Furthermore, their review and study gloss over a number of important distinctions. Finally, we believe that they over-interpret the relationships between their selected measures and ones previously used in the extant literature. A closer examination of variability among highly suggestible individuals, from the purview of the approach that Pekala et al. have adopted, but with a greater diversity of methods, is likely to yield a number of insights into the characteristics and determinants of hypnotic suggestibility and self-perceived hypnotic depth.

Item Type:

Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2010.10404333

Keywords:

Consciousness, Hypnotic depth, Hypnotic suggestibility, Phenomenology, Trance

Departments, Centres and Research Units:

Psychology

Dates:

DateEvent
October 2010Published

Item ID:

17083

Date Deposited:

28 Nov 2018 10:12

Last Modified:

28 Nov 2018 10:12

Peer Reviewed:

Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.

URI:

https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/17083

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