Anomalous/Paranormal experiences, hypnotic susceptibility, and dissociation

Author(s): Kumar, V. K., Marcano, G.

Journal/Book: J Amer Soc Psychical Res. 1995; 89: 5 West 73RD Street, New York, NY 10023. Amer Soc Psychical Res Inc. 313-332.

Abstract: Subjects (N = 413) completed the Anomalous Experiences Inventory (AEI) (Kumar, Pekala, & Gallagher, 1994) and the Dissociative Experiences Scale (Carlson & Putnam, 1992). Subjects then experienced the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (Shor & Orne, 1962). The results indicated that high susceptibles endorsed significantly more paranormal experience and ability items than low susceptibles, thus replicating prior research. Cluster analysis of low and high susceptible subjects' responses to the AEI revealed several different subclusters of subjects for the AEI as a function of use of drugs/alcohol and fear of the anomalous/paranormal. Regression analyses and three-dimensional visual analyses suggested that dissociative ability and hypnotizability are both important in predicting who will report experiencing spontaneous paranormal and anomalous experiences, with dissociative ability being somewhat more important. The importance of these two individual differences variables for understanding reported anomalous and paranormal experiences is discussed.

Note: Article RJ Pekala, Vet ADM Med Ctr, Psychiat Serv 116B, Coatesville, PA 19320 USA

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