Effects of electromyographic feedback and progressive relaxation training on hypnotic susceptibility: Disconfirming results

The efficacy of relaxation training in modifying hypnotic susceptibility was investigated. Following 2 pretests of hypnotic susceptibility, 24 Ss who scored 7 or below on both tests were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 relaxation training groups (EMG-biofeedback or progressive relaxation) or a no-treatment control group. Relaxation training was conducted over 10 20-minute sessions and was monitored by measurement of frontalis EMG. All Ss were then administered a posttest of hypnotic susceptibility. Hypnotic susceptibility did not increase significantly from pretest to posttest. Moreover, change in frontalis EMG was unrelated to change in susceptibility.