INCREASE OF HYPNOTIC INVOLUNTARINESS THRO UGH THE ACTIVE-PASSIVE CONTRAST

There are controversial explanations of hypnosis focusing on the invol untariness reports of subjects. The structure of the language used in hypnotic induction and suggestions can be a significant variable of th ese reports. The analysis of the role of specific instructions given b y the experimenter in a particular situation has been the goal of the present study. Four experimental groups and a control group were emplo yed. Muscular relaxation with ''passive'' or ''active'' instructions o r hypnotic induction with ''passive'' or ''active'' instructions previ ous to a specific suggestion, joining hands, were the four experimenta l conditions. In the control group condition only the specific suggest ion was used. Our results suggest that subject's involuntariness repor ts may be increased by the use of active instructions previous to a sp ecific suggestion. Finally, the article discusses the role of language structure as an significant component in hypnosis.