Altered States of Consciousness : Hypnosis

Hypnosis Today’s Goal: Discuss theories of hypnosis, noting the behavior of hypnotized people and claims regarding its uses.

What is hypnosis? Hypnotist makes suggestions about perceptions, thoughts, feelings, behaviors that a subject follows Hypnotist makes suggestions about perceptions, thoughts, feelings, behaviors that a subject follows

Social Influence Theory Hypnotic state is produced by powerful social influences Hypnotic state is produced by powerful social influences – Peer pressure – Performing role of hypnotic subject – Obeying requests of hypnotist Support for theory  Behaviors produced under hypnosis can be produced in other ways too Support for theory  Behaviors produced under hypnosis can be produced in other ways too

Divided Consciousness Theory Divided consciousness = dissociation Divided consciousness = dissociation Hypnotic state = a split/divide in our conscious awareness Hypnotic state = a split/divide in our conscious awareness – One consciousness is unaware of other consciousness Ernest Hilgard  hidden observer Ernest Hilgard  hidden observer – There is part of subject that is still aware of what is going on, even though in hypnotic state

Theories of Hypnosis Social influence theory = EXTERNAL social variables cause hypnosis Social influence theory = EXTERNAL social variables cause hypnosisv. Divided consciousness (dissociation) theory = division of INTERNAL consciousness Divided consciousness (dissociation) theory = division of INTERNAL consciousness

Hypnosis Techniques Subject in relaxed state Subject in relaxed state Is NOT a “deep sleep” Is NOT a “deep sleep” Hypnotizability = ease of being put into hypnotic state Hypnotizability = ease of being put into hypnotic state – Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (tests how easily one is hypnotized) Most people are moderately hypnotizable Most people are moderately hypnotizable

Hypnosis Techniques Hypnotic suggestions = suggestions of behaviors, thoughts, sensations, emotions, that subject follows WHILE under hypnosis Hypnotic suggestions = suggestions of behaviors, thoughts, sensations, emotions, that subject follows WHILE under hypnosis Posthypnotic suggestions = suggestions followed by subject AFTER hypnosis Posthypnotic suggestions = suggestions followed by subject AFTER hypnosis

Applications of Hypnosis Hypnosis & retrieving lost memories? Hypnosis & retrieving lost memories? – Memories recovered under hypnosis are mixtures of truth & fiction Hypnosis & pain control? Hypnosis & pain control? – Has worked in some cases (arthritis, mirgraines) – Placebo effect of hypnosis (people expect to not feel pain) Hypnosis & age regression? Hypnosis & age regression? – Attempt to return “back to childhood” – leading questions influenced answers