Hypnosis and Meditation Unit 4

Hypnosis A heightened suggestibility in which some people report experiencing imaginary events as if they are real

Hypnosis… Uses Teaching relaxation Promote positive mental health Form of anesthetic/pain control Allergies Behavior changes (removing addiction)

Hypnosis… Susceptibility Some people more responsive than others a. 10-15% are excellent subjects b. 10% are difficult to hypnotize c. 75-80% are in between

Hypnosis… Characteristics of Hypnotized Individuals: Willingness to be hypnotized Reduced playfulness Attention redistribution Fantasy reality testing Good role-taking Post-hypnotic amnesia

Hypnosis… Explanations for Hypnosis Role Theory: Not a changed state of consciousness; rather, compliance with special social role State Theory: Altered state in which mental process changes significantly Dissociation Theory: Not a specific state but a way behavior is controlled; creates a social agreement to allow hypnotist to control behavior

Hypnosis… Common Issues One cannot be hypnotized without consent Hypnotism shows no distinct psychological pattern Subject will not do anything they consider unacceptable/ do not want to do Ethical concerns regarding use of hypnosis in courts of law

Table Talk Have you or someone you known ever been hypnotized? Did it work? How do you know? Would you be willing to be hypnotized?

A method to narrow consciousness so the stresses of outside world diminish Awareness suspended through repetition of mantra, focus on breathing, or visual stimulus Meditation

Meditation… Origin Originated with Eastern Religions Hindu practice of yoga Buddhist practice of Zen Islamic mystics of Turkey Purpose: Mental discipline, psychic power, personal knowledge, alter consciousness at will, inner peace and tranquility Meditation…

Meditation… Effects Can’t scientifically measure religious experience Can measure bodily changes induced by meditation Metabolic rate drops More frequent alpha waves Lower heart and respiration rates Lactate in blood decreases Meditation…

Meditation… More Effects Continued 3. No conclusive data that meditation results in altered consciousness 4. Best used as a form of stress reduction 5. Meditators score higher on general mental health, self -esteem and social openness

Table Talk What did you know about meditation / yoga before this lesson? Have you or someone that you know ever tried meditation or yoga? Did you / they feel better afterwards? Would you now be willing to try mediation or yoga now if you haven’t already tried?