Preference between two methods of active-alert hypnosis: not all techniques are created equal.

In a cross-over design (N = 80), we compared the differential liking and preference for two hypnotic techniques involving physical activity: active-alert and waking-alert (or alert-hand) procedures. Participants expressed significantly higher liking and preference for the waking-alert as compared to the active-alert procedure. The latter technique, which also had significantly lower suggestibility scores(Cardeña et al., 1998) was also associated with a significantly higher attrition rate (23%). These significant differences may be explained by the greater physical effort and difficulty associated with the active-alert technique. It seems that the waking-alert method extends the advantages of active hypnosis (e.g., alertness, enhanced self-mastery) to individuals who may dislike or are unable to cope with the greater demands required by the active-alert procedure.

Effects on suggestibility of a new method of active-alert hypnosis: alert hand.

Research has shown that the active-alert method described by Bányai and Hilgard (1976) produces a similar increase on suggestibility as relaxation-based techniques, but it has some limitations, including the need for a stationary bicycle and a certain level of physical fitness. The authors compared that method with the new "alert hand" method, which emphasizes activity and alertness, but is simpler and less strenuous. In a repeated measures, counterbalanced design (N = 80), the authors found that (a) the alert hand method produced significantly higher objective and subjective suggestibility scores than the active-alert technique, and (b) a high percentage (23%) of volunteers discontinued participation during the active-alert method but not during the alert hand method. The alert hand method extends the benefits of active hypnosis to individuals who may have difficulties with the physical demands required by the active-alert method, and it seems to enhance suggestibility even more.

Emotional self-regulation therapy: a new and efficacious treatment for smoking.

We describe emotional self-regulation therapy, a recently-developed suggestion technique for the treatment of smoking, and present data attesting to its efficacy. Of the 38 individuals who completed treatment, 82% (47% of the initial sample) stopped smoking altogether and 13% (8% of the initial sample) reduced their smoking. A follow-up at 6 months showed that 66% (38% of the initial sample) of those who had completed the treatment remained abstinent and reported minimal withdrawal symptoms or weight gain. In a no-treatment comparison group, only 8% reduced their smoking or became abstinent.