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Biomedical subjects

S J Lynn

Publications and source records attributed to S J Lynn.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Automaticity and hypnosis: a sociocognitive account.

This article provides an overview of a new theory of suggested involuntariness in hypnosis, developed in conjunction with Irving Kirsch. The theory is based on the following ideas. First, high hypnotizable participants enter hypnosis with a conscious intention to feel and behave in line with suggested experiences and movements. Second, people who are easily hypnotized hold firm expectations that they will succeed in following the suggestions of the hypnotist. Third, the intention and expectation in turn function as response sets in the sense that they trigger the hypnotic response automatically. Fourth, given the intention to feel and behave in line with the hypnotist's suggestions, hypnotized individuals show no hesitation to experience the suggested movements as involuntary because (a) these movements are actually triggered automatically, and (b) the intention to cooperate with the hypnotist as well as the expectation to be able to do so create a heightened readiness to experience these actions as involuntary.

Automatism↗
PubMed1996

Unacknowledged versus acknowledged rape victims: situational factors and posttraumatic stress.

Investigators of sexual assault have found that a substantial number of women who have been raped do not conceptualize their experiences as such. The present investigation examined differences between 40 unacknowledged rape victims and 20 women who acknowledged their experience as rape in a sample of college women, as well as a control group of 23 nonvictims. Groups were compared in terms of situational factors, postassault symptomatology, defense mechanisms, dissociative disorders, and sexual revictimization. In comparison to unacknowledged victims, acknowledged victims reported more forceful assaults and indicated more resistance and clearer refusal. Acknowledged victims exhibited more posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms than unacknowledged victims, who exhibited more symptoms than nonvictims, as measured by clinical interview. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

The Hypnotic Simulation Index: successful discrimination of real versus simulating participants.

Researchers have attempted to find a method that accurately and reliably discriminates hypnotized individuals from those who are simulating hypnosis. Although an extensive literature exists in this area, researchers have failed to identify a discriminator that is consistently successful with a majority of the individuals who are tested. In the current study, 43 hypnotized and 37 simulating participants were categorized on the basis of their scores on the newly created Hypnotic Simulation Index (HSI). Using all 31 items of the HSI as predictors, 94% of the participants were correctly classified. In addition, a reduced set of only 15 items correctly classified 96% of the participants. These results suggest that the HSI is effective in discriminating hypnotized and simulating participants.

Female↗
PubMed1995

Fantasy proneness, DSM-III-R axis I psychopathology, and dissociation.

Two thirds of the fantasy-prone college students (16 of total N = 24) who scored in the upper 4% of the population on the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings (ICMI; S.C. Wilson & T. X. Wilson, 1981) and who were administered a diagnostic interview met the criteria for either a past or present Axis I diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev.; American Psychiatric Association, 1987), compared with 31% of medium fantasy-prone students (8 of total N = 26) who scored within 1/2 a standard deviation of the mean on the ICMI. Fantasizers also reported a higher frequency of past diagnosis of major depression (50%) than nonfantasizers (12%) and more dissociative experiences and symptoms, as indexed by a structured interview. Contrary to certain estimates of the frequency of dissociative disorders in the general population, none of the participants in the study received an actual dissociative disorder diagnosis. For certain individuals, fantasy proneness can be associated with significant psychopathology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Impact of simulating borderline personality disorder on the MMPI-2: a costs-benefits model employing base rates.

This investigation extends current work on the impact of role-specific response sets on dissimulated Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989) profiles. Specifically, one group of subjects was given specific symptom information and instructed to simulate borderline personality disorder on the MMPI-2. This dissimulation performance was compared to a clinical comparison group of clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a group of subjects instructed to simulate major depression, and a group of subjects who responded honestly to the MMPI-2. In both simulating conditions, subjects produced significantly higher elevations on a majority of clinical and validity scales than the clinical comparison group. A rigorous evaluation of the F scale was conducted to provide a range of predictive values for different F scale cutting scores for detecting malingering. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive power were computed for this range of F scale values. A similar analysis was conducted for the Borderline Personality Disorder Scale (BPDsc) of Morey, Waugh, and Blashfield (1985). These results are integrated with extant research. A costs-benefits model is proposed for employing F scale cutting scores in clinical situations with different base rates of malingering.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Hypnosis and the dream hidden observer: primary process and demand characteristics.

In Study 1, virtuoso (n = 13; passed more than 10 suggestions on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A [HGSHS:A] and Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C), high hypnotizable (n = 14; passed more than 8 suggestions on the HGSHS:A), and medium hypnotizable (n = 17; passed 4-8 suggestions on the HGSHS:A) Ss were administered a hypnotic dream suggestion followed by a "dream hidden observer" suggestion (i.e., access hidden part; have new thoughts and images pertinent to dream). The majority of Ss reported dreams (81.8%) and hidden observers (80%), with hidden reports being characterized by more personal content, less primary processes, and poorer recall than dream reports. Study 2 replicated major findings. Although hypnotized (n = 18) and low hypnotizable simulating Ss (n = 17) responded comparably on most measures, hypnotizable Ss' dreams contained more primary process than did simulating Ss, providing support for M. R. Nash's (1991) psychoanalytic model.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Truth in memory: ramifications for psychotherapy and hypnotherapy.

In this article we address a number of issues relevant to the practice of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy: How reliable is memory? How are therapists' and clients' beliefs and expectancies related to pseudomemory formation? Are certain clients particularly vulnerable to pseudomemory creation? Does hypnosis pose special hazards for pseudomemory reports? What are the variables or factors that mediate hypnotic pseudomemories? In addition to reviewing the literature on these topics, we intend to sensitize the clinician to the potential pitfalls of critical reliance on the patient's memories, as well as uncritically accepted clinical beliefs and practices.

Fantasy↗
PubMed1994

The hidden observer, hypnotic dreams, and age regression: clinical implications.

This article summarizes data from three studies (Maré, Lynn, Kvaal, Segal, & Sivec, in press; Lynn, Maré, Kvaal, Segal, & Sivec, 1993) designed to extend research on the "hidden observer" to two phenomena of clinical relevance: hypnotic dreams and suggested age regression. Subjects received suggestions for a hypnotic dream or age regression and then received suggestions for a "hidden observer" (i.e., the subject possesses a part of the self that is aware of images and ideas that the conscious mind is unaware of) with respect to the dream or age-regression experience. Hidden reports contained more personally relevant information than the target suggestions (i.e., dream, age regression). Subjectives were also less likely to recall hidden reports. The high rate of hidden-observer responding (> 80%) was also evident in nonhypnotized simulating and relaxed subjects, although they did not exhibit as much primary process thinking in their dream reports as hypnotized subjects. Case studies of a trauma client and a forensic client are used to illustrate the clinical potential of hidden-observer suggestions.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Pseudomemory in hypnotized and simulating subjects.

High hypnotizable (n = 23) and low hypnotizable simulating (n = 13) subjects received pseudomemory suggestions. High hypnotizable and low hypnotizable simulating subjects were equally likely to pass the target noise suggestion during hypnosis and were also equally likely (high hypnotizables, 47.83%; low hypnotizable simulators, 64.29%) to report pseudomemories when tested for pseudomemory after instructions to awaken. As in previous research with task-motivated subjects, pseudomemory rate (high hypnotizables, 47.48%; low hypnotizable simulators, 46.15%) was not reduced by informing subjects that they could distinguish fantasy and reality in a nonhypnotic state of deep concentration. At final inquiry, after deep concentration, high hypnotizable and low hypnotizable simulating subjects' pseudomemories remained comparable (43.48% and 38.46%, respectively). Unlike previous research, high hypnotizable subjects did not report more unsuggested noises and more pseudomemories of novel sounds than did awake low hypnotizable simulating subjects. Pseudomemory reports were generally consistent with subjects' ratings of whether the hypnotist expected them to believe the sounds were real or imagined.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Direct versus indirect suggestions: a conceptual and methodological review.

The article reviews the literature on the effects of direct versus indirect hypnotic suggestions. A conceptual and methodological analysis of direct versus indirect suggestions is also provided. Three conclusions follow from the review: (a) Contrary to views of Ericksonian hypnotists, suggestion style has little effect on objective responding to hypnotic test items; (b) studies of clinical- and laboratory-induced pain and other measures of subjective experience have yielded contradictory results--however, the best controlled studies have not indicated that indirect suggestions are superior to direct suggestions; and (c) there is insufficient evidence to conclude that hypnotizability level and suggestion wording interact, such that low hypnotizable subjects are particularly responsive to indirect suggestions. Methodological and conceptual problems in defining and studying hypnotic communications, the lack of rigorous experimental controls, and research issues and directions are highlighted.

Arousal↗
PubMed1992

Pseudomemory in hypnotized and task-motivated subjects.

Highly hypnotizable hypnotized (H; n = 16) and task-motivated (TM; n = 13) subjects received pseudomemory suggestions (see Orne, 1979). TM subjects reported being more awake and motivated than did H subjects and were more likely to pass the target noise suggestion. However, 69% of subjects in both conditions who passed the noise suggestion reported pseudomemories. Pseudomemory rate (for H subjects, 69% and for TM subjects, 46%) was not reduced by informing subjects that they could distinguish reality and fantasy in a state of deep concentration. At final inquiry, after deep concentration, pseudomemories remained stable (for H subjects, 75% and for TM subjects, 54%). As predicted, H subjects reported more unsuggested noises and more pseudomemories of novel noises than did TM subjects. Subjects who reported pseudomemories were more confident in the accuracy of their memories than were subjects who reported that the suggested noises were imagined.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Dissociative experiences, psychopathology and adjustment, and child and adolescent maltreatment in female college students.

Thirty-three female college students who scored in the upper 15% on the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) were compared with 33 female students who scored below the mean on the DES on measures of psychopathology (Symptom Checklist-90), college adjustment (Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire), and child and adolescent maltreatment. Compared with controls, high-DES subjects reported more psychopathology, poorer college adjustment, and a greater extent of psychological, physical, and sexual maltreatment. On the basis of the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, 2 high-DES subjects but none of the control subjects met criteria for a dissociative disorder (i.e., multiple personality and psychogenic amnesia). Despite the sensitivity of the DES, 8 subjects who scored in the upper 2% of the population on the DES failed to meet criteria for a dissociative disorder.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1992

Pseudomemory and age regression: an exploratory study.

Hypnotizable (N = 9) and simulating subjects (N = 8) were age regressed to the previous week's hypnosis session and received a suggestion to hear a phone ring during the earlier session (no phone actually rang). Pseudomemory rates in response to open-ended questions were low in this study (0% hypnotizable and simulating subjects) and in previous research (Lynn, Weekes, & Milano, 1989; 12.5% hypnotizable; 10% simulating subjects) in which the phone-ring suggestion was not embedded in the context of age regression. In response to a forced-choice question, 22.22% of the hypnotizable and 25% of the simulating subjects indicated that the suggested phone ring was an actual event, a pseudomemory rate somewhat higher than our previous study in which none of the subjects reported pseudomemories in response to a forced-choice question. When the occurrence of the target stimulus of a pseudomemory suggestion is publicly verifiable, the pseudomemory rate is low.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Finding the hypnotic virtuoso--another look: a brief communication.

Student volunteers who scored 9 (N = 20), 10 (N = 19), 11 (N = 26), and 12 (N = 15) on a live-administered Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962) were retested with the individually administered Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (SHSS:C) of Weitzenhoffer and Hilgard (1962). There appeared to be a break in HGSHS:A's predictive ability at 11 suggestions passed. Whereas a majority of Ss who passed at least 11 HGSHS:A suggestions retested in SHSS:C "virtuoso" range (i.e., passed at least 11 suggestions), a relatively small percentage of Ss who passed fewer than 11 HGSHS:A suggestions retested as SHSS:C virtuosos. These results are generally consistent with previous research (Register & Kihlstrom, 1986) using a standard taped-recorded HGSHS:A induction.

Amnesia↗
PubMed1991

Hypnosis and pseudomemories: the effects of prehypnotic expectancies.

Contrary to predictions, the pseudomemory rate of subjects who received prehypnotic information that hypnosis increased recall was indistinguishable from the pseudomemory rates of subjects who received information that hypnosis did not increase recall and of subjects who received no specific prehypnotic information. Indeed, by the last recall trial, none of the 47 subjects exhibited pseudomemory. Subjects exhibited faulty memory of events that actually occurred (i.e., pencils spilling), and were as uncertain of events that actually occurred, as they were of suggested events that did not occur during the session (telephone ringing). Subjects were generally consistent in their certainty, or lack of it, across events. Finally, subjects led to believe that hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness were less aware of external events, and had the lowest rate of recall of target suggestions compared with subjects in the comparison groups.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Storytelling, hypnosis and the treatment of sexually abused children.

The present article describes an assessment and therapy program for sexually abused children using hypnotherapeutic techniques which center on storytelling. Storytelling presents the therapist with an opportunity to use comforting suggestions, symbolism, and metaphor to provide the emotional distance necessary to deal with the trauma of abuse. Hypnotherapy proceeds in a stepwise fashion from the building of a sense of safety and security; to imaginative sharing; to the introduction of reality events; to the final step of addressing complex emotional issues of loss, trust, love, and guilt brought about by the abuse.

Child↗