Ericksonian research

• Ericksonian Research by Tony Floda, 10/27/98
  
  

Hi Tony;

Here are some musings:

1. Erickson's first career was as a researcher, more than a clinician. Look at some of his old papers. His research was more like an anthropologist, doing field studies, than contemporary psychological empiricism. I suggest that you look at some of his old studies and attempt to replicate them. There were a few studies on the induction of psychopathology that might provide leads.

2. In one of the books edited by Steven Lynn and Judith Rhue a few years ago, Peter Rennick and I summarized research up to that time. I believe it was Theories of Hypnosis.

3. Rossi lists possible research topics in one of his mind-body books.

4. I think it would be interesting to research human response to minimal cues. It would get you into the social psychology literature, which is a fertile field for cross-fertilization. I use many concepts from social psychology to better understand what Erickson did, including priming.

5. I think it would be good to research the confusion technique, Erickson's method of providing a positive motivation after suggestions, the efficacy of setting up and following through on suggestions (creating a process), linking suggestions vs. not, and the value of tailoring.

6. You might want to join the Erickson and Hypnosis Listservs.

7. You could attend the foundation's Intensive training or one of the programs offered by Stephen and Carol Lankton.

I wish you well with your work. Please keep us informed.

Jeffrey K. Zeig, Ph.D. Director The Milton H. Erickson Foundation 3606 N 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

USA

email: jeff@erickson-foundation.org ( http://www.erickson-foundation.org) Fax: 602-956-0519 Tele: 602-956-6196 ext 204

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