Suggestibility and dependency

Student nurses were given the Sway Test (a predictor of hypnotizability), Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, a test of manifest needs, and the TAT. A comparison was made on personality needs of high and low groups on the Sway Test on the assumption that suggestibility is related to dependency traits. The 2 personality tests showed congruency and indicated that a suggestible person is likely to be a strongly dependent person. A person who resists suggestion has stronger needs for independence or autonomy.