Age Regression Phenomena

Abstract

There is an obvious consistency between restricted environmental stimulation (REST) and hypnosis. While subjects can enter a state of hypnosis by active alert methods (Miller, A. Barabasz & M. Barabasz, 1991), typical hypnotic inductions involve relaxation. Subjects enter the state by means of a form of REST. Visual stimuli are eliminated when eyes are closed and outside annoyances are eliminated by the subjects’ precisely focused attention on the hypnotist’s voice. Sensory perception, due to movement, is markedly reduced by the subject’s calm position in a comfortable chair or on a bed. Recently, A. Barabasz (1990c,e) demonstrated that REST alone could elicit spontaneous hypnosis without dependence on a hypnotic induction. Interestingly, REST alone has also produced some regressive child like inversion perception responses in adults (Miller & Barabasz, 1985).