Peripheral skin temperature responses to hot and cold suggestions

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Abstract
10 male Ss, screened for hypnotic susceptibility, were hypnotized in 1 experimental session and given “method acting” instructions in another experimental session. Suggestions designed to increase and to decrease peripheral skin temperature, which was continuously monitored throughout each session, were administered under both conditions. The resulting data were analyzed to determine the effects of hypnosis, suggestions, and time. A significant time effect and a significant hypnotic-time interaction were found, but there was no difference due to the specific suggestions. When hypnotized, Ss tended to maintain a constant temperature throughout the suggestion period, while, when given “method acting” instructions, peripheral temperature tended to increase.