Am J Psychiatry 1990; 147:823-829
Copyright © 1990 by American Psychiatric Association
Hypnotizability and dissociation
FH Frankel
Psychiatry Department, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA 02215.
The author describes the multidimensionality of hypnosis itself and hence
of hypnotizability. He also points to the lack of clarity regarding the
concept of dissociation and the extent to which its roots lie in the
clinical experience of hypnosis. The concept of dissociation increasingly
preempts repression and other defense mechanisms in current nosological
thinking. The author cautions against equating hypnotizability scores with
dissociative capacity and advocates a clearer elaboration of the concept of
dissociation. Meanwhile, restraint in the use of the term "dissociation" is
recommended.
