Post-hypnotic suggestion improves confidence and speed of memory access with long-lasting effects

Barbara Schmidt, Justin Böhmer, Martin Schnuerch, Tobias Koch, Sebastian Michelmann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In our study, we use the post-hypnotic suggestion of easy remembering to improve memory with long-lasting effects. We tested 24 highly suggestible participants in an online study. Participants learned word lists and recalled them later in a recognition memory task. At the beginning of the study, participants were hypnotized and the post-hypnotic suggestion to remember easily was associated with a cue that participants used during the recognition memory task. In a control condition, the same participants used a neutral cue. One week later, participants repeated both conditions with new word lists. Participants were significantly faster and more confident in their recognition ratings in the easy-remembering condition compared to the control condition, and this effect persisted over one week. Crucially, the increased speed and confidence in the easy-remembering condition did not affect memory accuracy. That makes our hypnosis intervention promising for patients experiencing subjective memory impairments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number104240
JournalActa Psychologica
Volume245
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2024

Keywords

  • Hypnosis
  • Long-term effect
  • Memory
  • Recognition
  • Suggestion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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