title: Effects of subliminally presented auditory suggestions of itching on scratching behavior.
abstract: This study investigated effects of masked verbal suggestions of itching, utilizing a design closely analogous to commercially available subliminal audiotapes. Students participated in 1 of 3 groups (n = 21): an experimental group listened to an audiotape with music masking suggestions of itching, Control Group 1 listened to an audiotape with music only, and Control Group 2 listened to suggestions of itching presented supraliminally. Dependent variables included both behavioral and self-report measures of itching. There was no evidence of influence from subliminal suggestion; however, results assessing the influence of supraliminally presented suggestions were mixed for self-report and behavioral measures.
authors.affiliation: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City 37614-0548, USA.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009146:Music; D010470:Perceptual Masking; D011537:Pruritus; D013360:Subliminal Stimulation; D013404:Suggestion; D014743:Videotape Recording