The Effects of Hypnosis on Flow States and Performance

This study examined the effects of hypnosis on flow states and short-serve badminton performance in 4 competitive female players. The investigation utilised an idiographic single subject multiple baselines across subjects design combined with a procedure that monitors the internal experience of the participants (Wollman, 1986). The method of intervention utilised in this study involved hypnotic induction, hypnotic regression and trigger control procedures. The results indicated that all 4 participants increased their mean short-serve performance from baseline to intervention. Three of the 4 participants also increased their mean flow scores and indicated that during the intervention phase they had felt more relaxed, calm, determined, happy and focused when compared to the baseline phase.