Extraversion and hypnotizability : an interactional analysis

Pelletier, Frederick L. (1982) Extraversion and hypnotizability : an interactional analysis. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to conduct an interactional analysis of the factors that influence or determine hypnotizability. Two series of rapid hypnotic inductions were developed; in one, the inductions were extremely varied and consisted of three unconventional inductions, and in the second series, three successive eye-closure inductions were administered. -- It was hypothesized that there would be an interaction between the personality variable of extraversion and the method of hypnosis. Extraverts were hypothesized to demonstrate greater hypnotizability than introverts in response to the varied hypnotic induction while it was predicted that the introverts would respond more strongly to repeated eye-closures. -- Sixty university students were divided into high and low extraversion groups on the basis of their extraversion scores. Twelve of these were drawn randomly and assigned to an external control group. The remaining subjects were subdivided and assigned to one of the two induction conditions. All subjects completed an interest rating scale at the end of the experiment. -- The results of the experiment indicated that extraverts were more hypnotizable than introverts. The predicted hypothesis was not confirmed, but an unanticipated interaction was apparent: The rapid successive induction procedures produced greater hypnotic responsivity in extraverts when their scores were compared to the external control group which received a standard eye-closure induction only. This difference was not evident with regard to introverts. -- As predicted, hypnotizability was found to correlate with interest. The differences among the group means for the interest ratings were the same as those of the hypnotizability scores. These results were discussed within the framework of Eysenck's theory of extraversion. In addition, methodological difficulties were discussed and suggestions concerning future research were made.

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