Citation

In the present study, we compared directly the efficacy of two types of hypnotic induction instructions on a forced-choice clairvoyance task in a sample of participants selected for their medium to high absorption or transliminality scores. The first kind of instructions (ESP) emphasized the capacity to visualize a remote picture, freeing the mind from any thinking activity. The second kind of instructions, the out-of-body experience (OBE), emphasized leaving the body and allowing the mind to go where the target was presented. The two instructions were applied in a within-subject design to control individual differences better. In the 2 sessions of 10 trials each, the mean hit scores were: first session: M = 3.33 (SD = .65); second session: M = 2.41 (SD = .79). The mean hit score of the first session was well above MCE, π = .60; CI: .28–.91; contrast: Δπ = .10. No substantial differences were obtained with the two kinds of instructions. These data replicate the findings obtained by Del Prete and Tressoldi (2005), supporting the hypothesis that a combination of hypnosis and special induction instructions tailored for theESP task facilitate the performance in participants with medium to high absorption or transliminality scores.