The Province of “highs”: the high hypnotizable person in the science of hypnosis and in psychological science

The ability to genuinely and completely respond to hypnotic suggestion is the province of high hypnotizable people (“highs”). The abilities and experiences of highs are fascinating and important to hypnosis researchers in particular and to psychological researchers generally. To illustrate, first we discuss the role of highs in the science of hypnosis. We introduce the high hypnotizable people who helped shape theoretical discussions about the nature of hypnosis. Second, we discuss the contributions of highs in psychological science. We focus on the relevance of hypnosis research to general scientific problems in psychology and the use of hypnosis to turn highs temporarily into virtual patients to understand a range of psychological phenomena. Finally, we consider why highs are so helpful in these enterprises. We consider the nature of hypnotic models, the correlates and components of high hypnotizability, and the best ways to tap potential overlaps between hypnotic ability and differences in or predictors of the specific psychological phenomena that highs help us study.