HYPNOTIC SEX-CHANGE - CREATING AND CHALLENGING A DELUSION IN THE LABORATORY

The authors suggested a change of sex to virtuoso, high-hypnotizable, and low-hypnotizable simulating participants in an application of the real-simulating paradigm of hypnosis. The experiences of sex change th at participants reported during hypnosis were challenged through proce dures of contradiction and confrontation. Behavioral and self-report d ata indicated that virtuosos experienced a transient delusion about th eir sex that was compelling and resistant to challenge. Implications a re discussed for investigations of delusion through the use of hypnosi s in the laboratory and for understanding delusion in the clinical set ting.