Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (SHSS)

The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (SHSS) is a standardized psychological assessment tool commonly used to measure an individual’s susceptibility to hypnosis. It was developed by Weitzenhoffer and Hilgard in the 1950s at Stanford University, hence the name “Stanford” in its title.

Overview

The SHSS consists of a series of hypnotic induction suggestions and post-hypnotic tests designed to evaluate an individual’s responsiveness to hypnosis. It includes both objective and subjective measures to gauge different aspects of hypnotic susceptibility.

Administration

The SHSS is typically administered by a trained psychologist or researcher in a controlled environment. It involves the induction of a trance-like state and the delivery of various suggestions to assess the individual’s level of hypnotic responsivity.

Scoring

The SHSS is scored based on the individual’s performance during the hypnotic session. The scale is divided into multiple subscales, each representing different hypnotic phenomena. The overall score helps classify an individual’s hypnotic susceptibility as low, moderate, or high.

Validity and Reliability

The SHSS has been widely studied and demonstrated good validity and reliability. Its use in research and clinical settings provides valuable insights into the nature of hypnosis and its effects on individuals with varying levels of hypnotic susceptibility.

Applications

The SHSS is used in various fields, including psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, to understand the effects of hypnosis on cognitive processes, pain management, behavioral changes, and therapeutic interventions.