The validity of hypnosis as a treatment for psychiatric disorders is most directly threatened by which of the following?

• A. The high cost of hypnosis sessions compared to other therapies
• B. The suggestibility of clients and the potential for placebo effects
• C. The lack of interest among clinicians in using hypnosis
• D. The requirement for specialized equipment in clinical settings

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of validity in psychological treatments, which refers to how well a treatment actually works for its intended purpose.
2. Step 2: Recognize that hypnosis as a treatment relies heavily on the client's suggestibility, meaning how easily a person can be influenced or guided by suggestions during hypnosis.
3. Step 3: Consider the role of placebo effects, which occur when a client experiences improvement due to their belief in the treatment rather than the treatment itself.
4. Step 4: Analyze how suggestibility and placebo effects can threaten the validity of hypnosis by making it difficult to determine whether improvements are due to hypnosis or simply the client's expectations.
5. Step 5: Compare this threat to other options such as cost, clinician interest, or equipment requirements, which do not directly challenge whether hypnosis is an effective treatment.