The Hidden Observer, Hypnotic Dreams, and Age Regression: Clinical Implications
Steven Jay Lynn, Cornelia Maré, Steven A. Kvaal, David Segal, Harry J. Sivec
American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis October 1, 1994 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.1994.10403125 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Hypnotized subjects, nonhypnotized simulating subjects, and relaxed subjects; case illustrations include a trauma client and a forensic client |
| Intervention | suggested age regression |
| Citations | 17 |
| Key findings | Hidden-observer reports contained more personally relevant information than the target dream or age-regression suggestions, and subjects were less likely to recall these hidden reports. Hidden-observer responding occurred in over 80% of subjects, including nonhypnotized simulating and relaxed subjects, although hypnotized subjects showed more primary process thinking in their dream reports. The authors propose that hidden-observer suggestions may have clinical potential, illustrated with a trauma client and a forensic client. |
Abstract
This article summarizes data from three studies (Maré, Lynn, Kvaal, Segal, & Sivec, in press; Lynn, Maré, Kvaal, Segal, & Sivec, 1993) designed to extend research on the "hidden observer" to two phenomena of clinical relevance: hypnotic dreams and suggested age regression. Subjects received suggestions for a hypnotic dream or age regression and then received suggestions for a "hidden observer" (i.e., the subject possesses a part of the self that is aware of images and ideas that the conscious mind is unaware of) with respect to the dream or age-regression experience. Hidden reports contained more personally relevant information than the target suggestions (i.e., dream, age regression). Subjectives were also less likely to recall hidden reports. The high rate of hidden-observer responding (> 80%) was also evident in nonhypnotized simulating and relaxed subjects, although they did not exhibit as much primary process thinking in their dream reports as hypnotized subjects. Case studies of a trauma client and a forensic client are used to illustrate the clinical potential of hidden-observer suggestions.