ABSTRACT: Provided a rigorous assessment of the therapeutic effectiveness of selected
subliminal self-help (SSH) audiotapes. Three replications by A. R. Pratkanis et
al (unpublished manuscript) and E. R. Spangenberg (unpublished manuscript) of
a double-blind experiment tested SSH audiotapes that claimed to improve memory
or to increase self-esteem. Conditions of use adhered to manufacturers' recommendations.
237 Ss who desired the effects offered by the tapes were recruited from the student
and adult populations of university communities. SSH audiotapes did not produce
effects associated with subliminal content. The general class of claims for therapeutic
efficacy of SSH audiotapes was lacking in empirical foundation.