Effects of hypnotist susceptibility and sex on the administration of standard hypnotic susceptibility scales

Myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and suggestion: Separating fact and fiction

“…In the Green et al (2006) survey, 79% of participants agreed that “the extent to which hypnosis is successful depends on the skills of the hypnotist.” This widespread idea is pure myth; in actuality, administering a hypnotic induction and specific suggestions do not require any special skills or abilities beyond those required for basic social interactions and administration of experimental or clinical procedures, such as the ability to establish rapport. At least one study showed that inexperienced experimenters yielded hypnotic suggestibility scores comparable to the respective scale's norms (Coe, 1976). It is occasionally anecdotally reported either that women or men are more effective hypnotists, although data indicate that hypnotic suggestibility is not related to a hypnotist's gender (Coe, 1976; Nash & Spinler, 1989).…”

“…At least one study showed that inexperienced experimenters yielded hypnotic suggestibility scores comparable to the respective scale's norms (Coe, 1976). It is occasionally anecdotally reported either that women or men are more effective hypnotists, although data indicate that hypnotic suggestibility is not related to a hypnotist's gender (Coe, 1976; Nash & Spinler, 1989). Nevertheless, certain characteristics of an experimenter or clinician might enable them to be more effective in administering suggestions, such as the ability to present oneself as a convincing authority (Woody & Szechtman, 2007), or the ability to develop rapport with a participant (Lynn, Snodgrass, Rhue, Nash, & Frauman, 1987).…”