A preliminary comparative study of drawings produced under hypnosis and in a simulated state by both MPD and non-MPD adults

p. 107-112In a pilot study designed to determine if there is a difference in the artwork of MPD and non-MPD adults when developmental stages of artistic growth are compared, both groups of subjects were assessed under two conditions. Each subject was asked to complete a set of drawings while they were pretending to be certain ages (5, 9, 12, and 16), i.e., in a simulated state. A second set of drawings was completed while subjects were hypnotized and age regressed to the same ages of 5, 9, 12, and 16. Ages for the simulated and hypnotically age regressed states were selected based on earlier developmental studies of artwork. Each age selected represents a different stage of artistic growth that can be identified by characteristics found in the form of artwork (noted in the linear qualities, spatial organization, and use of detail within the artwork). The Mann Whitney U test, when applied to scores representing developmental characteristics in artwork from both the simulated and hypnotic states, showed a difference at the p < .006 level (significant) and p < .002 level, respectively. Non-MPD subjects scored higher, in the stage four through stage six range. MPD subjects' scores showed greater diversity, with all six stages of artistic growth being represented. This diversity in MPD scores suggests that an age regression, or a phenomenon akin to it, occurs in MPD subjects but is not apparent in non-MPD subjects regardless of instructions to simulate or to follow a protocol instructing them to age regress hypnotically