Effects of negative-sentence suggestions under light hypnotic states on feelings and behaviors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of negative-sentence suggestions on feelings and behaviors. Feelings and behaviors were classified under the axes of pleasant-unpleasant, and low-high activity. Sixteen subjects (six males and ten females) were induced into a light hypnotic state, and were given suggestions of feelings and behaviors in negative-sentence form. Aside of the above-mentioned suggestions, suggestions of neutral feeling and behavior in affirmative-sentence form was given as baseline. The subjects were then requested to rate the effect, which was stated in affirmative-sentence form. For example, if subject was given a negative-sentence suggestion that your feelings are not sad, then subject asked to rate his feelings of sadness. The results showed that negative-sentence suggestions had affirmative effects when the rated feeling was unpleasant, regardless of its activity level. They had negative effects when the rated feeling or behavior was pleasant and low in activity.