Phenomenological experience in response to monotonous drumming and hypnotizability.
R L Maurer, V K Kumar, L Woodside, R J Pekala
The American journal of clinical hypnosis October 1, 1997 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.1997.10403417 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractListening to 15 minutes of monotonous drumming before hypnosis produced a higher subjective trance level than drumming after hypnosis, though the order did not affect objective trance scores. The average trance level during drumming alone fell in the medium range of susceptibility. Participants with higher trance scores were more likely to report relaxed feelings and shamanic-type experiences in their narrative accounts.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 206 |
| Population | Participants |
| Citations | 46 |
| Key finding | Drumming before hypnosis increased subjective trance levels compared to drumming after hypnosis, while objective trance scores were unaffected by order. |
Abstract
Participants (N = 206) experienced 15-min of monotonous drumming either before or after hypnosis (Harvard scale). Participants completed the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) in reference to the last 4-min of drumming. Stimulus order did not affect the objective trance levels as measured by the Harvard scores. The subjective trance level as measured by hypnoidal scores (predicted Harvard scores from the PCI) was significantly higher when drumming preceded hypnosis. Participants' estimated average trance level achieved during drumming fell in the medium range of susceptibility (5-8) (Pekala, 1995). Participants who achieved higher hypnoidal and Harvard scores were more likely to report relaxed feelings and shamanic-type experiences in narratives about their subjective experiences during drumming.