Hypnosis and lateral cerebral function as assessed by dichotic listening.

In a replication of Frumkin et al. we investigated the hypothesis that hypnosis may facilitate a shift in brain hemispheric dominance, as assessed by right-ear dominance shifts in a dichotic listening paradigm. Eight low, 13 medium, and 8 high hypnotizables, as assessed by the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C, were given the Berlin et al. dichotic tape during two waking conditions and following an alert hypnotic induction. Results contradicted Frumkin et al. In contrast, low hypnotizables showed a significant reduction in right-ear dominance, suggestive of greater participation of the right cerebral hemisphere following hypnotic induction. Highs and mediums did not change. Discussion centers around procedural differences between the two studies (particularly type of hypnotic induction and instructions to attend to one or both ears) and the possible influence of relaxation/anxiety levels upon lateral shifts in cerebral function.