A controversial new study may or may not shed some light on the nature of hypnotic susceptibility (or hypnotic suggestibility, depending upon the vocabulary you prefer).
As reviewed by Dr. Robert Jasmer, the new study from Dr. David Spiegel and colleagues out of the clinical hypnosis lab at Stanford may demonstrate one’s ability to enter into experiential hypnosis may be related to one’s neural network configuration. See Jasmer’s review at http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/GeneralNeurology/35056 with his caveats regarding the use of the Hypnotic Induction Protocol first developed by Spiegel and his father (yes, the Spiegel Eye Test which I teach students is part of the HIP). The HIP is not universally accepted and has been found to have some particular weaknesses (as have all suggestibility measures). See Jasmer’s review for more balanced critique.
The LA Times also reports upon the study . . . with less critical analysis at http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-hypnosis-brain-20121001,0,714131.story which should be read with some background from their coverage or neural gaps at http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/30/health/la-he-brain-20100830.
Regardless, this new study by Spiegel is very important and may pave the way for clearer understanding of the mechanism of hypnotic experience.
If you’re in Taipei and interested in hypnosis, check the services page linked to in the top left sidebar. Not in Taipei? Check the store for recordings in the same menu area as well as links to lots and lots of info and goodies. Of course, browsing this site will bring you to a digital ton of positive resources on a wide variety of topics as well.
By the way, please be aware that we are hosting a free workshop on Mindgasm in Taipei on Oct. 14. Check out https://briandavidphillips.net/2012/08/28/mindgasm2/ for more information.
Brian
www.BrianDavidPhillips.net
please contact Dr. Phillips at brian@briandavidphillips.com.