Beliefs and attitudes of Chinese regarding hypnosis and its applications

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to broadly consider the beliefs and attitudes of Hong Kong Chinese, regarding the notion of hypnosis and its applications. Particular attention is given to a comparison between the data of the current Chinese sample and those obtained by Western studies. Parameters such as self-perceived hypnotizability and psychology training are also examined. Four hundred and fifty-seven college students in Hong Kong were included in the study, and widely used inventories were adopted to measure their beliefs and attitudes towards hypnosis and its applications. While participants' beliefs in regards to the general nature of hypnosis do not vary significantly according to their cultural background, participants' perceived value of hypnosis and attitudes towards being hypnotized are subject to the effects of psychology training and self-perceived hypnotizability. In addition, a number of significant associations between beliefs and attitudes with regard to hypnosis and its applications were found. This highlights the importance of clearing up the common misunderstanding in hypnotic practice. Copyright © 2004 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis