Hypnotizability, pain threshold, and dissociative experiences

Abstract

Background: There may be an association between pain threshold, hypnotizability, and dissociative experiences. The purpose of the present study was to examine this association.

Methods: Forty-one healthy subjects were included in the study. Pain thresholds were determined using a manual algometer. The Dissociative Experiences Scale was administered to all subjects. Hypnotizability of the subjects was assessed by the eye roll sign of the Hypnotic Induction Profile. There were 14, 15, and 12 subjects in the Grade 1, 2, and 3 groups, respectively.

Results: Highly hypnotizable subjects had lower pain thresholds and were more likely to report dissociative experiences than the less hypnotizable subjects.

Conclusions: There is an association between pain threshold, hypnotizability, and dissociative experiences. It may be suggested that dissociative and somatic symptoms may be integrally linked and related to hypnotic suggestibility.