FLOW AND HYPNOTIZABILITY IN A COLLEGE STUDENT POPULATION.

The concept of "flow" refers to a state of heightened attention and concentration in a current task. Benefits of entering a flow state may include the ability to optimize performance by reducing conscious cognitive processing. Various theories have suggested that flow is a state of consciousness similar to that of hypnosis. The present study addresses the relationship between flow and hypnotizability. In a college sample, a significant correlation was found between flow experience and hypnotizability, suggesting that those high in hypnotizability are more likely to experience flow states during hypnosis. In addition, results suggest that hypnosis may be used to develop higher frequency of flow states, especially in those with low dispositional flow.