Qualitative changes in autobiographical memory during hypnotic identity delusions

Hypnotic identity delusions involve a change in self that is compelling and resistant tochallenge. One consequence of this change is
reflected in the qualitative aspects of autobiographical
memories generated during such a delusion.
This study involved 15 real, hypnotised participants
and 15 simulating participants who received a
delusion suggestion to become a friend’s sibling of
the same sex as them. During the delusion, participants
provided personal semantic information and
described two detailed autobiographical memories.
Autobiographical recall was challenged by asking
participants how they knew that they had personally
experienced each event. Identity was challenged
with a contradiction and a confrontation.
Transcripts of autobiographical recall were subsequently
rated according to criteria from the
Aberdeen Report Judgement Scales (ARJS; Sporer,
1997). Results indicate that the hypnotic identity
delusion influenced the qualitative characteristics of
participants’ autobiographical memories. Findings
are discussed in terms of the interaction between
self and memory and the value of hypnosis as a
laboratory model of identity delusions.