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Hypnotic suggestibility is unaffected by a challenging inhibitory task or mental exhaustion

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posted on 2023-06-09, 16:40 authored by Angela Gurney, Zoltan DienesZoltan Dienes, Ryan ScottRyan Scott
Executive functioning is paramount to the successful exertion of inhibitory control over automatic impulses and desires. Despite disagreements in determining the exact mechanisms responsible for hypnosis, many theories involve the use of, or alterations in, frontal processing and top-down executive functioning. The present study sought to explore this relationship by examining whether a transient state of reduced inhibitory control influences susceptibility to hypnosis. Specifically, participants completed a color naming task designed to place differing demands on inhibitory control processes before experiencing a hypnotic induction and four suggestions. Bayesian analysis indicated substantial evidence that the prior exertion of inhibitory control processes does not influence subsequent susceptibility to hypnotic suggestion. The study provides evidence that inhibitory impairment, often experienced by those with a range of disorders (such as anxiety and depression), should not affect receptiveness to hypnotic procedures.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice

ISSN

2326-5523

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Issue

2

Volume

9

Page range

141-158

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2019-01-29

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-01-29

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2019-01-28

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