Improving Reading Performance Through Hypnosis

Abstract

Research literature on hypnosis provides support for the use of hypnosis as a technique for improving reading performance. Several hypnotic techniques have been utilized in an assortment of educational situations. Krippner (1966) applied hypnosis in a summer reading clinic to help students with such varied reading problems as lack of motivation, lack of concentration, and release of excess tension. Donk, et al. (1968) used posthypnotic suggestion to help students in a college mental health class improve their reading rate. Scharf and Zamansky (1961) used hypnosis to reduce word recognition time as measured by tachistoscopic means.The findings reported in hypnotic research as an aid to reading improvement range from no difference to quite significant differences. Uhr (1958) reviewed the research regarding hypnosis and learning and stated that little conclusive evidence could be drawn from the research but that the possibility for improvement of learning under a well managed hypnotic trance could be striking.The need for design and research on the application of group hypnotic techniques in educational settings, reading in particular, is made evident by the lack of research in this area. Most of the studies, however, describe one-to-one situations in which the pupils were hypnotized on a regular basis. As school teachers well know, this type of situation is impractical because of the pressure of time and the high cost factor.Yet, the potential of group hypnosis as a technique for improving learning seems to be promising. It was the purpose of this study to investigate the effects of hypnosis on the learning improvement of students who were hypnotized only once in a group situation. If there were significant improvements in reading performance as the result of one hypnotic session in a group situation, this technique would seem to be practical in terms of both the time and cost factors.

The Use of Hypnosis in Improving Reading Performance

“…In reviewing the research regarding hypnosis and learning Uhr (1958) stated that little conclusive evidence could be drawn from the research, but that the possibility for improvement of learning under a well managed hypnotic trance could be startling. Fillmer, Scott and Sutherland (1981) investigated the effects of a single hypnotic session on the reading improvement of university students enrolled in a reading and writing center. These students, who were generally minority students, either had not met the university's admission requirements or had been referred to the center because of poor reading skills.…”