Effect of hypnotic susceptibility on creativity test performance.

Abstract

Thirty subjects who were susceptible to, but «»trained in, hypnosis, and 30 unsusceptible subjects were cast into waking motivated, hypnotized, and hypnotic simulator treatment groups in a 2 X 3 design. They were assessed on three tasks (Guilford's Consequences Test, Holtzman Inkblots, and a free association test) yielding nine measures of creative functioning. Eight out of nine measures showed significant superiority of susceptible over unsusceptible subjects, but there were few treatment effects. Additional analysis indicated that women tended to function more creatively on these tasks than men. In a comparison that must be regarded as suggestive only, 30 subjects who were susceptible and trained in hypnosis functioned more creatively on the Consequences Test than untrained susceptible subjects. In general, the results were reviewed as consistent with a regression theory of hypnosis and creativity.

Hypnotizability, Creative Capacity, Creativity Styles, Absorption, and Phenomenological Experience During Hypnosis

“…Creative Tests Lynn and Rhue (1987) and Lynn and Sivec (1992) cited studies (Ashton & McDonald, 1985;K. S. Bowers, & van der Meulen, 1970;, P. G. Bowers, 1978Jackson & Gorassini, 1989;Perry, Wilder, & Appignanesi, 1973) suggesting high hypnotizable subjects tend to perform better on tests of creativity than less hypnotizable subjects.…”

“…Bowers, 1967;K. S. Bowers, 1968;K. S. Bowers & van der Meulen, 1970;Davè, 1979) have been reviewed by Lynn and Sivac (1992).…”

The possibility of creativity in the active stage of hypnosis

“…An important role in this integration is assigned to focused attention as well as to the relationship between attention and "fantasy." Bowers and van der Melin (1970) have suggested that swings of attention from reality to fantasy may form the basis of creativity.…”

Artifact in the Hypnosis—Creativity Relationship

“…MANY RESEARCHERS HAVE PROPOSED that hypnotizability and creativity are related (K. Bowers, 1968Bowers, , 1971K. Bowers & van der Meulen, 1970;P.…”