Post hypnotic and hypnotic susceptibility measures as predictors of success in a group weight reduction program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Post Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (PHSS) and the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS) in predicting success in a group hypnosis weight reduction program. Sixty five subjects, 60 female and 5 male, were recruited by a newspaper advertisement and assigned to one of three groups. Fifty three subjects, 48 female and 5 male, completed the program. All of the subjects received the same treatment. Treatment consisted of 6 weekly sessions. The lengths of the sessions were 2 hours for the first session and 1 1/2 hours for sessions 2 through 6. During the first session the PHSS and the HGSHS were administered by audio tape. Sessions 2 through 6 consisted of a discussion of assigned readings adapted from a behavior/cognitive weight reduction book, and the administration of a hypnotic treatment. The hypnotic treatment was administered by an audio tape. The weight loss suggestions were taken from the assigned readings. The criterion measures used were weight in pounds and tricep skinfold measurements. Results showed that the PHSS and the HGSHS were not predictive of weight loss. Subjects did show an increase in activity level and motivation to lose weight. Recommendations for future research studies were discussed.