How can you tell if somebody can be hypnotized what test is done?

Answer 1

Pretty well anyone can be hypnotized if they want to be. The most important factors in determining someone's hypnotizability are their interest in hypnosis and willingness to be hypnotized. Generally, if someone is curious about hypnosis, wants to experience it, trusts the hypnotist, and is able to follow instructions uncritically, they will be responsive, and can be hypnotized to some degree.

Numerous tests of hypnotizability exist, but none is totally reliable. Broadly, however, if someone demonstrates 3 or more of the following abilities/ traits it's probable s/he will be good at hypnosis:

1.) Ability to roll eyes up into the head, and keep them there without undue difficulty.

2.) An interest in the mind, human behaviour, general curiosity about how people think and feel - "intraceptivity".

3.) Absorption - someone who gets "lost" in a book, movie, music etc, or who often seems mentally distracted, a "daydreamer".

4.) Someone who regularly follows orders/ set routines & procedures - eg nurses, military personnel etc..

5.) Had imaginary friends in childhood, or has a strong "fantasy" life - eg fans of Fantasy and Sci Fi movies and books; those who regularly role play (actors/ performers etc); those who frequently imagine themselves as someone else or being elsewhere etc..

6.) Works routinely at something requiring sustained, intense concentration - eg a laboratory technician, art restorer, computer programer etc..

Contrary to what many believe, the most highly hypnotizable people are almost always stable personalities who are of significantly above average intelligence, and who have high powers of concentration and well developed creative capabilities: "lame brains" or "weak willed" they are not! Indeed, high hypnotizability and superior intellectual and creative abilities correlate very strongly.