Effect of Es Tone of Voice on “Hypnotic-Like” Suggestibility

Abstract

82 Ss were assessed individually on response to the Barber Suggestibility Scale. To half the Ss (Group A) the suggestions were presented in a forceful tone and to the others (Group B) the identical suggestions were presented in a lackadaisical tone. Variations in E's tone of voice produced significant variations in suggestibility: Group A obtained higher Objective and Subjective scores on the suggestibility scale than Group B. The findings indicate a need for further research to ascertain to what degree the heightened suggestibility attributed to hypnosis is due to “trance” and to what degree it is due to test-suggestions being presented more forcefully to the hypnotic Ss than to the controls.