Language, mysticism, and hypnotizability: a brief communication.
The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis 2008 DOI: 10.1080/00207140701673100 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 81 |
| Population | Participants who completed the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A and the Hood Mysticism Scale |
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Key findings | Participants with high mysticism scores scored significantly higher on hypnotizability compared to those with low mysticism scores. |
Abstract
People attempting to communicate religious and mystical experiences tend to use the same language strategies employed in inducing hypnotic trance. Both incorporate vague language that provides receptive listeners the opportunity to insert their own content. This study examines whether people who have had mystical or religious experiences are also more likely to respond to the language of hypnosis. Eighty-one participants completed the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A and the Hood Mysticism Scale. Participants were divided into 3 equal groups based on "high," "ambiguous," and "low" mysticism scale scores. The high group scored significantly higher on hypnotizability compared to the low group. The relationship between openness to mystical and religious experience and susceptibility to hypnotic suggestion warrants further investigation.