Pseudomemory and age regression: an exploratory study

Am J Clin Hypn. 1992 Oct;35(2):129-37. doi: 10.1080/00029157.1992.10402995.

Abstract

Hypnotizable (N = 9) and simulating subjects (N = 8) were age regressed to the previous week's hypnosis session and received a suggestion to hear a phone ring during the earlier session (no phone actually rang). Pseudomemory rates in response to open-ended questions were low in this study (0% hypnotizable and simulating subjects) and in previous research (Lynn, Weekes, & Milano, 1989; 12.5% hypnotizable; 10% simulating subjects) in which the phone-ring suggestion was not embedded in the context of age regression. In response to a forced-choice question, 22.22% of the hypnotizable and 25% of the simulating subjects indicated that the suggested phone ring was an actual event, a pseudomemory rate somewhat higher than our previous study in which none of the subjects reported pseudomemories in response to a forced-choice question. When the occurrence of the target stimulus of a pseudomemory suggestion is publicly verifiable, the pseudomemory rate is low.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis / methods*
  • Male
  • Mental Recall*
  • Regression, Psychology*
  • Suggestion*