Preference between two methods of active-alert hypnosis: Not all techniques are created equal

In a cross-over design (N=80), we compared the differential liking and pref erence for two hypnotic techniques involving physical activity: active-aler t and waking-alert (or alert-hand) procedures. Participants expressed signi ficantly higher liking and preference for the waking-alert as compared to t he active-alert procedure. The latter technique, which also had significant ly lower suggestibility scores(Cardena et al., 1998) was also associated wi th a significantly higher attrition rate (23%). These significant differenc es may be explained by the greater physical effort and difficulty associate d with the active-alert technique. It seems that the waking-alert method ex tends the advantages of active hypnosis (e.g., alertness, enhanced self-mas tery) to individuals who may dislike or an unable to cope with the greater demands required by the active-alert procedure.