Test-Retest Reliability of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C and the Elkins Hypnotizability Scale

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2021 Jan-Mar;69(1):142-161. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2021.1834858.

Abstract

This project aimed to assess the consistency of hypnotizability over repeated assessments when measured by the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C (SHSS:C), and the Elkins Hypnotizability Scale (EHS) and to contrast score distribution and pleasantness of these scales. University students were administered either the SHSS:C or the EHS twice with a one-week delay by separate experimenters. Test-retest reliability of the EHS and the SHSS:C was r s =.82 (.71-.92) and r s =.66, 95% (.47-.86), respectively (Spearman's correlation). Hypnotizability was comparable at test and retest in the EHS group, SHSS:C scores decreased by the retest. We found that the SHSS:C produced higher scores than the EHS, and the pleasantness of the 2 scales was comparable. Overall, our results supported the reliability of the EHS, while SHSS:C scores were more inconsistent between the 2 assessments. More research is warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis*
  • Male
  • Psychological Tests* / standards
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Young Adult