Hypnotic dreams as a lens into hypnotic dynamics.

The hypnotic relationship is an important parameter for both experimental and therapeutic contexts. Hypnotic dreams may serve as a lens to examine the hypnotic relationship. By answering 5 questions per item, 70 judges rated 12 accounts of brief hypnotic dreams conducted as part of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C. The data show that the judges were able to correctly discern highly from less hypnotizable individuals. Interestingly, highly hypnotizable females coached by a male hypnotic operator had more sexually charged dreams than either less hypnotizable females or males regardless of hypnotizability. These findings contextualize for further research and therapy transference issues related to the hypnotic relationship and the use of hypnotic dreams.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Jan;58(1):69-81. Raz A, Schweizer HR, Zhu H, Bowles EN. Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA. amir.raz@mcgill.ca