Altered States of Consciousness : Hypnosis
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Transcript of Altered States of Consciousness : Hypnosis
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
Social Influence Theory • 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
Divided Consciousness
Theory• Divided consciousness = dissociation• Hypnotic state = a split/divide in our
conscious awareness– One consciousness is unaware of other
consciousness
• 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 hypnosisv.
• Divided consciousness (dissociation) theory = division of INTERNAL consciousness
Hypnosis Techniques• Subject in relaxed state
• Is NOT a “deep sleep”• Hypnotizability = ease of being put into
hypnotic state– Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale
(tests how easily one is hypnotized) • Most people are moderately hypnotizable
Hypnosis Techniques• Hypnotic suggestions = suggestions
of behaviors, thoughts, sensations, emotions, that subject follows WHILE under hypnosis
• Posthypnotic suggestions = suggestions followed by subject AFTER hypnosis
Applications of Hypnosis • Hypnosis & retrieving lost memories?
– Memories recovered under hypnosis are mixtures of truth & fiction
• Hypnosis & pain control?– Has worked in some cases (arthritis,
mirgraines)– Placebo effect of hypnosis (people expect to
not feel pain)• Hypnosis & age regression?– Attempt to return “back to childhood” –
leading questions influenced answers