Age Regression: Tailored versus Scripted Inductions

Abstract

The effects of tailored versus scripted hypnotic inductions were tested with the intention of shedding light on age regression phenomena. From an initial pool of 31 volunteers, 10 males and 10 females who scored 3 or better on the Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale, participated in this study. Participants were assigned to either scripted or tailored hypnotic induction conditions for regression to age 5. The age specific developmental task was to indicate for each of 10 abstract figure pairs, which of each pair "was upside down". Both groups showed significant focal point dependency. However, the tailored induction group showed significantly greater focal point dependency characteristic of 5-year-old children, in contrast to the scripted induction group. It appears that tailored hypnotic inductions may provide a better avenue for the ego to regulate its own degree of regression. The better match to personality style takes advantage of the naturally occurring ego-syntonic capacities of the participant, thereby facilitating greater hypnotic responsiveness.

Long-Term Outcome of Hypnotic-Analgesia Treatment for Chronic Pain in Persons with Disabilities

“…It is worth keeping in mind, then, that the degree of symptom relief obtained with a standardized script does not likely represent the actual potential of the intervention were it able to be individualized (cf. Barabasz & Christensen, 2006).…”

Efficacy of Hypnosis in the Treatment of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Women:Rural and Urban Samples

“…were hypnotized using the SHCS induction, whereas those in the urban hospital setting (seen by A.B.) were exposed to tailored hypnotic inductions Barabasz & Christensen, 2006). The tailored inductions are replicable and consistent with those presented in the current hypnotherapeutic techniques texts (Barabasz & Watkins, 2005;Watkins & Barabasz, 2008).…”

“…In the most recent and most extensive investigation to date, Ewin (1992) tested hypnotizability on the basis of responses to hypnotic suggestions for catalepsy, eye flutter, age regression (see Barabasz & Christensen, 2006;Christensen, Barabasz, & Barabasz, 2009), and reports of the ability to alter sensation at the wart sites (tingling, cold, or warm). Eight (57%) of 14 patients with condylomata were reported as cured (complete clearance).…”

Revision of the APA Division 30 Definition of Hypnosis

“…Albeit intentional, the definition neglects differences in inductions that have been shown to produce varying degrees of hypnotic responsiveness (i.e., Baker, 1983;Barabasz & Christensen, 2006;Christensen, Barabasz, & Barabasz, 2009;Jensen & Barber, 2000). It also lacks any mention of spontaneous hypnosis, which has been well documented in research (i.e., Barabasz, Barabasz, Christensen, French, & Watkins, 2013;, 2014Hilgard, 1979;Hilgard & Lebaron, 1984;Spiegel & Spiegel, 2004;Spiegel & Vermetten, 1994).…”