Israeli Norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility,Form A

A Hebrew version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) was administered to 283 subjects. Results were compared with those obtained for the English original administered in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as with versions translated into Swedish, Romanian, Italian, Finnish, Danish, Spanish, and German. Mean scores were similar to the Canadian and Australian, though lower than the others. No differences were found between males and females. Pass rates for individual items were similar or lower than elsewhere. Item reliability was similar to the other non-English versions. The author speculates that the slightly lower scores obtained may be due to the larger group of subjects present in each session. Overall, the Israeli data are congruent with the reference samples.     

Israeli norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A

A Hebrew version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) was administered to 283 subjects. Results were compared with those obtained for the English original administered in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as with versions translated into Swedish, Romanian, Italian, Finnish, Danish, Spanish, and German. Mean scores were similar to the Canadian and Australian, though lower than the others. No differences were found between males and females. Pass rates for individual items were similar or lower than elsewhere. Item reliability was similar to the other non-English versions. The author speculates that the slightly lower scores obtained may be due to the larger group of subjects present in each session. Overall, the Israeli data are congruent with the reference samples.     

Italian Norms for the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale,Form C1

This paper presents norms for an Italian translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C; Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962). Archival data on hypnosis research subjects recruited over a 10-year period of research on hypnosis were pooled, resulting in an aggregate sample of 356 participants (263 female and 93 male). Score distribution, item difficulty levels, and reliability of the SHSS:C were computed. Of this group, 218 subjects were administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility approximately 3 weeks prior to administration of the SHSS:C. The remaining 138 subjects received only the SHSS:C. Results suggest that the Italian version of the SHSS:C is a reliable and valid measure.     

Italian norms for the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C

This paper presents norms for an Italian translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C; Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962). Archival data on hypnosis research subjects recruited over a 10-year period of research on hypnosis were pooled, resulting in an aggregate sample of 356 participants (263 female and 93 male). Score distribution, item difficulty levels, and reliability of the SHSS:C were computed. Of this group, 218 subjects were administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility approximately 3 weeks prior to administration of the SHSS:C. The remaining 138 subjects received only the SHSS:C. Results suggest that the Italian version of the SHSS:C is a reliable and valid measure.     

Phenomenological experiences associated with hypnotic susceptibility

Following the administration of a Hungarian translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C), 104 Hungarian subjects completed the Hungarian translation of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI). Subjects had also been administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS: A) about 1 week to 2 months before the SHSS:C The pattern of correlations between hypnotizability (as measured by the HGSHS:A and the SHSS:C) and the 5 factors of the PCI was quite similar to that of previous work carried out using the English language versions on subjects in the United States. SHSS:C and HGSHS:A scores correlated significantly with the PCI factors of dissociated control, positive affect, and attention to internal processes factors. In addition, the SHSS:C score correlated significantly with the visual imagery factor, as found in previous work.     

Phenomenological experiences associated with hypnotic susceptibility

Following the administration of a Hungarian translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C), 104 Hungarian subjects completed the Hungarian translation of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI). Subjects had also been administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) about 1 week to 2 months before the SHSS:C. The pattern of correlations between hypnotizability (as measured by the HGSHS:A and the SHSS:C) and the 5 factors of the PCI was quite similar to that of previous work carried out using the English language versions on subjects in the United States. SHSS:C and HGSHS:A scores correlated significantly with the PCI factors of dissociated control, positive affect, and attention to internal processes factors. In addition, the SHSS:C score correlated significantly with the visual imagery factor, as found in previous work.     

The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C: normative data of a Dutch student sample

Norms for the Dutch language version of the Standford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C; Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962) are presented. These norms are based upon a sample of 135 students at a Dutch university. Generally, the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the SHSS:C are similar to other language versions. However, the mean score was somewhat lower than that found in the original norming studies at Stanford University.     

The stanford hypnotic susceptibility scale,form C: Normative data of a dutch student sample

Norms for the Dutch language version of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C; Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962) are presented. These norms are based upon a sample of 135 students at a Dutch university. Generally, the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the SHSS:C are similar to other language versions. However, the mean score was somewhat lower than that found in the original norming studies at Stanford University.     

Mexican Norms For The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale,Form C

Normative data for the Mexican adaptation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) are presented. Twenty-seven raters administered the scale to 513 Mexican volunteers. Score distribution, item analysis, and reliability of the SHSS:C are presented and compared to other international norming studies. The findings show that the Mexican adaptation of the SHSS:C has psychometric properties essentially comparable to those of the Dutch, German, Italian, and United States reference samples. However, the elevated sample mean suggests Mexicans may have an elevated ability to engage in hypnotic behavior, thus they would likely be especially good candidates for hypnotherapeutic interventions that would better the health options currently available.     

Mexican norms for the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C

Normative data for the Mexican adaptation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) are presented. Twenty-seven raters administered the scale to 513 Mexican volunteers. Score distribution, item analysis, and reliability of the SHSS:C are presented and compared to other international norming studies. The findings show that the Mexican adaptation of the SHSS:C has psychometric properties essentially comparable to those of the Dutch, German, Italian, and United States reference samples. However, the elevated sample mean suggests Mexicans may have an elevated ability to engage in hypnotic behavior, thus they would likely be especially good candidates for hypnotherapeutic interventions that would better the health options currently available.     

The Waterloo-Stanford Group C (WSGC) Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility: Normative and Comparative Data

The Waterloo-Stanford Group C (WSGC) hypnotic susceptibility scale was developed as a substitute for the individually administered Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C). A first investigation with WSGC reports normative data on 259 subjects, and the results indicate that it is comparable in most important respects to the norms of SHSS:C. A second investigation directly compared WSGC and SHSS:C in a counterbalanced design on 65 subjects, and the two scales correlated .85. It is argued that, when used as a follow-up to the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A, WSGC provides a valid criterion of hypnotic ability.     

Phobias and hypnotizability: a reexamination

25 phobic Ss were administered the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) of Weitzenhoffer and E. R. Hilgard (1962). The mean SHSS:C score was 3.5 (S.D. = 2.6), which was lower than that obtained by comparison groups. The results are in direct opposition to previous results and the predictions of Frankel (1974; Frankel & M. T. Orne, 1976). Potential explanations for the discrepancy in results are discussed, including the possibility that previous studies used unrepresentative samples of phobics. It is suggested that hypnosis may sometimes play a role in the production of phobic symptoms but that other processes must be considered as well.     

An investigation of Taiwanese norms for the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C (Mandarin Chinese Translation)

This study establishes normative data for the Mandarin Chinese Translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C-MCT). Fourteen administrators gave the SHSS:C-MCT as well as demographic and meditation questionnaires to 322 participants of Taiwanese nationality. Score distributions, normality, internal consistency, item difficulty, and comparisons with other SHSS:C samples are presented. Scores on the SHSS:C-MCT were compared to both demographic and meditation practice data. The psychometric properties of the SHSS:C-MCT were found to be similar to those of other samples, and the Taiwanese mean score was found to be higher than most other samples, providing support for continued and expanded use of hypnosis in relative treatment applications in Taiwan.     

In Memoriam: Milton V. Kline 1923-2004

3 subgroups of 20 Ss with high, medium, or low scores on a slightly modified, tape-recorded version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962) were later administered the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) of Weitzenhoffer and Hilgard (1962). HGSHSrA and SHSSrC correlated .59 which is lower than would be predicted by scale reliabilities. This, together with other data based on item characteristics, indicates that the 2 scales are not equivalent, but in part measure different aspects of hypnotic performance. Scores on HGSHSrA for low Ss are predictive of SHSS:C scores, but the stability of performance between HGSHS:A and SHSS:C is not as marked for medium and high Ss on HGSHS:A. This is partly a result of the failure of passive motor (primary) suggestibility to discriminate between levels of susceptibility, although challenge items do. The 2 clusters of items correlate .23 and .43 in HGSHS:A and SHSS:C respectively. The passive suggestibility items detract from the validity of the 2 scales.     

An Investigation of Taiwanese Norms for the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C (Mandarin Chinese Translation)

This study establishes normative data for the Mandarin Chinese Translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C–MCT). Fourteen administrators gave the SHSS:C–MCT as well as demographic and meditation questionnaires to 322 participants of Taiwanese nationality. Score distributions, normality, internal consistency, item difficulty, and comparisons with other SHSS:C samples are presented. Scores on the SHSS:C–MCT were compared to both demographic and meditation practice data. The psychometric properties of the SHSS:C–MCT were found to be similar to those of other samples, and the Taiwanese mean score was found to be higher than most other samples, providing support for continued and expanded use of hypnosis in relative treatment applications in Taiwan.     

Psychometric properties of the SF-12 (Hebrew version) in a primary care population in Israel

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the 12-item Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short-Form Health Status Survey (SF-12) (Hebrew version) in a large primary care patient sample in Israel. SUBJECTS: The sample comprised 3631 adult primary care patients who were screened for depression in a longitudinal design. MEASURES: SF-12 yielding two scores: the Physical Component Summary (PCS-12) and Mental Component Summary (MCS-12). For comparison, the Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression scale (CES-D), two subscales from the 90-item Hopkins Symptom Scale (SCL-90), Quality of Life Depression Scale (QLDS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure - Bref (WHOQoL-Bref), and interviewer-administered Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) were also administered. RESULTS: Score distribution was satisfactory, the amount of missing data was minimal and item-to-item correlations were satisfactory. Floor and ceiling effects were minimal in items with more than three response options. A confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-dimensional model of health. Test-retest reliability was good for both summary scales in a nondepressed population and for PCS-12 in the depressed population, but only moderate for MCS-12 in the depressed population. In regard to convergent validity, MCS-12 correlated negatively and significantly with the CES-D, QLDS, and two SCL-90 anxiety subscales, and positively and significantly with four WHOQoL-Bref domains. PCS-12 correlated positively and significantly with the WHOQoL-Bref physical domain. Discriminative validity was established in that both PCS-12 and MCS-12 showed meaningful effect sizes between groups with various degrees of physical and mental health problems. Sensitivity to change was established in that both PCS-12 and MCS-12 change scores were significantly different in subjects who had been depressed but were no longer so, as compared with those who were still depressed at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The SF-12 (Hebrew version) is a reliable and valid measure, particularly in a nondepressed population.     

Portuguese Norms for the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility,Form A

The Portuguese version of the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) was administered to 313 Portuguese college students. Score distribution, item pass rates, item analysis, and reliability of the HGSHS:A are presented and compared to earlier published reference samples. No differences were found between males and females. Reliability of the HGSHS:A Portuguese version was lower than that reported by most of the studies but within the range of the non-English versions. In general, Portuguese data are congruent with the reference samples and the Portuguese translation of the HGSHS:A. It appears to be a viable instrument for primary screening of hypnotic suggestibility in a Portuguese context.     

CAN SUBJECTIVE RATINGS OF ABSORPTION,DISSOCIATION, AND TIME PERCEPTION DURING “NEUTRAL HYPNOSIS” PREDICT HYPNOTIZABILITY?: An exploratory study

This study explored absorption, dissociation, and time perception on visual analogue scales (VAS) after a neutral hypnosis session to predict hypnotizability. Sixty-two subjects completed the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) and, during a neutral hypnosis session, VAS ratings of absorption, dissociation, and time perception. The findings indicated that 44% of subjects scored high, 35% medium, and 21% low on hypnotizability, as determined by scores on the SHSS:C. Dissociation VAS ratings significantly differed when comparing low to high and medium to high hypnotizable subjects. However, ratings were not significantly different between medium and low subjects. Significant positive correlation was found between dissociation VAS ratings and SHSS:C total scores. Future research is needed to validate this proof-of-concept study.     

Item difficulty in childhood hypnotic susceptibility scales as a function of item wording,repetition, and age

The Children's Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (CHSS) of London (1963) and a revised version for children of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form B (Rev. SHSS:B) were administered to a group of 26 children ranging in age from 8 to 16 years. This was part of a larger sample to whom the CHSS had been administered 3 years earlier. The comparison of the results of the 2 administrations of CHSS showed no significant differences in means (9.00, 9.19) or standard deviations (2.17, 2.87). The reliability was .72 (p = .001) when 3 atypically scoring Ss were eliminated. The item difliculties of eye closure and arm immobilization differed (p = .05) over the 2 administrations, both being more difficult at the earlier testing. It was suggested that these changes were a result of both practice and age effects. The comparison of the 2 different scales used at the latter testing (i.e., CHSS and Rev. SHSS:B) also showed no significant differences in mean scores (9.19, 8.85) or standard deviations (2.87, 2.81). The correlation between the 2 scales was .77 (p = .01). 3 items, eye closure, arm immobilization, and amnesia, snowed significant differences (p = .05) in the per cent passing the item, the first being less difficult on the Rev. SHSS:B, and the latter 2 being more difficult. Content and procedural differences were suggested to explain these obtained differences in item difficulties.     

Hypnotic susceptibility scales: are the mean scores increasing?

The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C), developed and named 37 years ago, is arguably the "gold standard" of hypnotic susceptibility scales. However, it has been the impression of several researchers that means obtained on the SHSS:C are higher now than in previous years. The authors comprehensively review studies using the SHSS:C over a 4-decade period. The findings demonstrate a significant linear trend between year and SHSS:C scores, with higher obtained means in more recent work. The authors also report a similar analysis of research with the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A. Although the mechanisms underlying this trend can only be speculated upon at present, these findings underscore the importance of using local control groups in research on hypnotizability.