The effect of hypnosis on attention to relevant and irrelevant stimuli

Abstract

Stemming from an unpublished investigation of Pessin and Stem,³ the present study was directed toward evaluating the effect of hypnosis on attention to relevant and irrelevant stimuli. While performing a vigilance task, Ss were periodically presented with extraneous stimulus. Hypnotized as compared to control Ss not only demonstrated a significantly slower reaction time, but were also less responsive to extraneous stimulation both physiologically and behaviorally.