Binaural-beat induced theta EEG activity and hypnotic susceptibility

Am J Clin Hypn. 2000 Jul;43(1):53-69. doi: 10.1080/00029157.2000.10404255.

Abstract

Six participants varying in degree of hypnotizability (2 lows, 2 mediums, and 2 highs) were exposed to 3 20-minute sessions of a binaural-beat sound stimulation protocol designed to enhance theta brainwave activity. The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C) was used for pre- and post-stimulus measures of hypnotic susceptibility. A time-series analysis was utilized to evaluate anterior theta activity in response to binaural-beat sound stimulation over baseline and stimulus sessions. The protocol designed to increase anterior theta activity resulted in a significant increase in percent theta for 5 of 6 participants. Hypnotic susceptibility levels remained stable in the high-susceptible group and increased significantly in the low and medium-susceptible groups.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation* / methods
  • Adult
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis*
  • Individuality
  • Patient Selection*
  • Theta Rhythm / psychology*