Differences of the Subjective Nature between Hypnosis and Autogenic Training (AT)

This study investigates the subjective nature of the states experienced during hypnosis and AT, using Ss' self-reports through 60 Q cards. 30 Ss, divided into 3 groups of 10 Ss each, were used. Each group was arranged into 5 sub-groups of 2 Ss basing upon their experiences with AT or the depth of hypnosis used. Group 1 and 2 did AT at home, but not group 3. Group 1 (gr. AT) submitted reports which were made at home during AT. Group 2 (gr. HAT) was induced into a hypnotic state by AT suggestions. Group 3 (gr. HYP) was hypnotized. 60 Q cards containing statements of experiences were constructed in 10 categories: 1. concentration, 2. relaxation or tension, 3. attitude towards suggestion, 4. relationsphip with suggestion, 5. effect of suggestion, 6. attitude towards therapist, 7. dependency on therapist, 8. irrational experience, 9. self-awareness, and 10. satisfaction. The centroid method of factor analysis and orthogonal rotation of axes were applied to the intra-individual correlation matrix (30×30) which was obtained from the 30 Ss' Q sortings, and 2 factors were extracted. The 1st factor seemed to be characterized by the conscious experiences of AT which especially well trained AT trainees have, while the 2nd factor seemed to represent the experience of hypnotic trance. The Ss who were high on the 1st factor positively evaluated the categories of relaxation, effect of suggestion, and satisfaction. These experiences seem to characterize the experiences in the autogenic state. The Ss who were high on the 2nd factor reported more concentration and more irrational feelings, and positively evaluated the effect of suggestion as well. They lacked the experience of self-awareness and relaxation. These experiences seem to characterize the hetero-induced hypnotic state. From these findings it seems that the subjective nature of experiences in AT differs from that of hetero-induced hypnosis. In AT, feelings of relaxation are more emphasized and characterized, but irrational feelings are not experienced to any appreciable degree in contrast to the situation in hetero-induced hypnosis