The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scales

The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scales (SHSS) are a set of tests developed to measure a person's likelihood of being hypnotized. Created in the 1950s, these scales assess various responses to suggestion, such as relaxation and imagination. They involve a series of tasks where individuals respond to verbal cues, allowing researchers to gauge their hypnotic susceptibility. Higher scores indicate greater susceptibility, suggesting that the person can more easily enter a hypnotic state. These scales are widely used in psychological research and help in understanding the nature of hypnosis and its effects on consciousness and behavior.