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This study did not find a significant interaction among locus of control, hypnotizability, transcript type (indirect vs. direct), and gender on vividness of imagination, hypnotic depth, and
inner subjective experiences; however, inner subjective experiences for the automaticity of hypnotic responding was influenced by hypnotizability.
Locus of control is a generalized expectancy that usually has two experimental levels-internal and external. Internal locus of control indicates that one's reinforcements and punishments are the result of one's abilities; in contrast, external locus of control means one's reinforcements and punishments are the consequences of external influences. Additionally, internal and external locus of control are generalized expectancies and are cognitions or beliefs that an individual has about a variety of situations (Rotten 1982). Rotter developed the I (Internal) - E (External) locus of control scale to measure these expectancies. In summary, internal locus of control suggests that an individual's reinforcements and punishments are the results of his or her ability (Sapp, 1997b).
Locus of control is a response expectancy that can correlate with hypnotizability (Barber & Calverley, 1966; Dermer & London, 1965; Melei & Hilgard, 1964; Shot, 1971). For example, Austrin and Pereira (1978) found a significant relationship between locus of control and hypnotizability for females, but not males.
According to Erickson and Rossi (1979) and Lankton and Lankton (1983), the effects of indirect rather than direct suggestions should have a stronger impact on hypnotic responsiveness. For example, direct hypnotic suggestions are straightforward, such as, "You will stop smoking," "You will stop overeating." In contrast, indirect hypnotic suggestions are worded in a permissive style, such as, "You may stop smoking," "You can stop overeating" (Erickson, 1967; Erickson & Rossi, 1979; Erickson, Rossi, & Rossi, 1976; Lankton & Lankton, 1983).
Yapko (1983) compared and contrasted direct and indirect hypnotic communication styles, and he concluded that direct hypnotic suggestions are more likely to appeal to the conscious mind; in contrast, theoretically, indirect suggestions should bypass conscious awareness, and they are more likely to appeal to the unconscious mind. Taking a diametrically opposing position to Yapko, Gibson (1985) concluded that indirect hypnotic suggestions do not have relevance in the area of hypnosis.
In contrast, Fricton and Roth (1985) investigated the effects of direct and indirect hypnotic suggestions on analgesia for...