Autonomic and central nervous system responding: During hypnosis and simulation of hypnosis

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Abstract
Heart rate, electrodermal responding, respiratory rate, firon-talis muscle tension, and occipital electroencephalographic activity were monitored while 6 female Ss were experiencing hypnosis and while 6 other female Ss simulated the experience of hypnosis. Physiological data were collected during 7 sessions on 7 consecutive days. The results indicated no differences in physiological responding between hypnotized and simulating Ss. Both groups of Ss exhibited significant decreases in heart rate and amount of electroencephalographic alpha activity during their experiences, relative to pre- and posthypnotic or simulating levels. In addition, both groups of Ss exhibited significant increases in electroencephalographic beta activity during their experiences. Both groups of Ss also displayed lowered levels of electrodermal activity, skin conductance, and respiratory rate during their experiences. The changes in these modalities, however, were significant for hypnotized Ss, but were generally not significant for simulating Ss. Both groups of Ss also manifested lowered levels of muscle responding during their experiences, but these changes in responding were not significant for either group of Ss. The results are discussed in terms of several current theories of the nature of the hypnotic experience.

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