The present study assessed if cooperation can be influenced using an imagery and suggestion-based intervention. Participants (N=126) were adult university students. 21 participants were removed due to failure to follow directions, leaving 105 participants remaining.
Participants were randomized into two groups. One group listened to an approximately seven minutes long audio with suggestions encouraging trust in others. The other group listened an audio track but with suggestions encouraging trust in self.
Participants then played a “Stag Hunt” game in pairs, where highest scores can be achieved by cooperation. There was a significant difference in the scores for the trust others (M= 21.47, SD=3.28) and the trust self (M=19.82, SD=3.92) conditions, t(103)= -2.35, p = .021, d = 0.46. The results support the hypothesis that suggestions made in a guided imagery task may generate increased cooperation. A replication study including a neutral control is in progress.
For those of you who wish to access the presentation, you can find it on
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354913563_Guided_imagery-based_suggestions_increase_cooperation_in_the_Stag_Hunt_game
The video of my recording is available on Youtube : https://youtu.be/R2zW3flTL-g
Melvin S. Marsh is a certified hypnotherapist and life coach serving Augusta GA and Statesboro GA. He performs hypnotherapy appointments both in person (parts of Georgia, SC, and Florida) and worldwide virtually. He can be reached at www.afterhourshypnotherapy.com .
