Hypnotic Depth and Basal Skin Resistance

This study investigated the relationship between a self-report scale for measuring the depth of the hypnotic state and basal skin resistance (BSR). 10 Ss participated in 2 training and 2 experimental sessions each, and BSR was recorded during the latter two sessions. The self-report depth scale accurately predicted the occurrence of hypnotic dreaming and amnesia, traditional criteria for medium and deep hypnotic states. BSR showed a high, positive correlation with the self-report depth scale. Although the study was exploratory in nature, the data suggest that both the self-report depth scale and BSR may be useful measures for detecting changes in the depth of the hypnotic state, and encourage further research.