States of consciousness - Part 2 Goals of the day hypnosis drugs and consciousness flow

What is hypnosis? The common perception of hypnosis is that it is a trance-like, socially induced altered state of consciousness) Is it really an altered state of consciousness? Does it work? Would you undergo hypnosis rather than Novocain to deaden pain before getting a cavity filled or during child birth?

Hypnosis is . . . a social interaction in which one person suggests to another that certain perceptions, feelings, thoughts, or behaviors will spontaneously occur posthypnotic amnesia: a temporary memory loss (you forget what happened to you when you were under hypnosis)

Some basic facts about hypnosis Can it work for anyone? no, the power of hypnosis resides in subjects openness to suggestion some people are more susceptible to hypnotic suggestion than others people who are more responsive to hypnotic suggestion tend to have a rich fantasy life virtually anyone will experience hypnotic responsiveness of led to expect it (“your eyes are getting heavy”--everyone’s eyes do when they stare a light)

Can it enhance recall of forgotten events? no, it cannot change the rules by which we form, store, and retrieve memories Can hypnosis force people to act against their will? it can only induce behavior well within normal limits Can hypnosis be therapeutic? no. the "benefits" of hypnosis are not due to hypnosis (e.g., rather due to having people relax and form positive images)

Is Hypnosis an altered state of consciousness? Social influence theory says: no “hypnotized" people are just acting the role of "good hypnotic subjects” doing what's expected, and getting caught up in the role: imaginative actors caught up in playing the role of hypnotic subject

Divided consciousness theory says: yes dissociated consciousness (mind split; talking on phone while doing dishes) accentuated form on normal cognitive dissociation pain reduction concentrate on something else (how to stop your head from hurting, put a pebble in your shoe) Lamaze method of childbirth: breathing and concentration techniques that draw attention away from pain TV sets in dentist's office or in grocery store check out lines

Drugs and consciousness Psychoactive drugs: chemicals that change perceptions and moods legal drugs: caffeine, tobacco, tranquilizers, diet pills, sleeping pills, alcohol illegal: heroin, cocaine, etc., etc. Psychoactive drugs produce: tolerance withdrawal physical dependence psychological dependence

Why do many people like the effects drugs produce? mismatch between our ancient brain mechanisms (that evolved 1000s and millions of years ago) most drugs of abuse act on neural mechanisms associated with positive emotions that evolved to mediate incentive behavior (food, sex): dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephirne drugs create a signal in the brain that indicates, falsely, the arrival of a fitness benefit (just like we like high fat, sugar, salt foods--junk food)

Disease or bad habit? By viewing it as a disease, addicts tend to feel powerless to overcome the addiction Bad habit: many people can stop using drugs without professional help

Social factors and drug use drug's psychological effects are powerfully influenced by the user's expectations social factors influencing drug usage feeling that life is meaningless, hopelessness, few skills significant stress, failure, depression large influence of peer group peer association is strongest predictor of adolescent drug use

Flow Conscious experiences are in harmony with one another The sense of effortless action that people have during exceptional moments in life, “peak experiences”

Functions of flow Focuses psychological energy Motivates action Directs energy towards goals