Two primary theories explain how hypnosis works. The dissociation view considers it a divided state of consciousness, whereas the social-cognitive view interprets it as the performance of a social role.

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Hypnosis is a self-focused state in which suggestions are used to shape a person's behavior or experience.

Hypnosis

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Brain imaging research has shown that hypnotic states are associated with widespread changes in the overall functioning of the brain.

Neurological Correlates of Hypnosis

In a therapeutic context, hypnosis is a technique where a trained clinician utilizes relaxation and suggestion to guide a consenting patient toward altering their thoughts and perceptions, often as part of an ongoing treatment plan.

Hypnosis in Therapy

It is important to differentiate between the clinical application of hypnosis as an evidence-based therapy and its depiction in popular media as a form of entertainment, which has historically led to public suspicion. Therapeutic hypnosis is a professional practice, whereas entertainment hypnosis is for performance.

Distinction Between Therapeutic and Entertainment Hypnosis

While hypnosis may be employed to help improve a skill or enhance memory, scientific evidence suggests that any resulting enhancements are typically very limited in nature.

Modest Effects of Hypnosis on Skill and Memory Enhancement

Hypnosis can be a particularly effective technique for individuals who are highly open to the power of suggestion.

Effectiveness of Hypnosis on Suggestible Individuals

The process of inducing hypnosis, while subject to some variation, consistently involves four key components. These elements work in concert to guide an individual into the state of heightened suggestibility that characterizes hypnosis.

Four Components of Hypnotic Induction

Research indicates that individuals' susceptibility to hypnosis varies, though studies suggest that the majority of people can be hypnotized to at least a moderate degree.

General Hypnotizability

Classification of Hypnosis Theories

The dissociation theory suggests that hypnosis is a state of divided consciousness. This is analogous to common experiences where attention is split, such as driving a familiar route with minimal conscious awareness of the act itself because one's focus is on other thoughts.

Dissociation Theory of Hypnosis

An alternative perspective on hypnosis, the social-cognitive theory, suggests that individuals in a hypnotic state are actively performing the social role of a 'hypnotized person.' According to this view, their behavior is not a product of an altered or dissociated state of consciousness, but rather a fulfillment of the social expectations associated with that role, shaped by their understanding of how they should act in the situation.

Social-Cognitive Theory of Hypnosis

In Hilgard's hypnosis-and-pain studies, hypnotized participants had their arms placed in ice water and were told they would not feel pain. They reported no pain while still pressing a button that indicated pain, supporting the idea that consciousness can be dissociated during hypnosis.

Ernest Hilgard's Research on Hypnosis and Pain

Two major perspectives attempt to explain the effects of hypnosis. The **dissociation view** suggests that hypnosis causes a split in awareness, where one part of consciousness responds to the hypnotist's suggestions while another part remains a detached observer. The **social-cognitive view** argues that people under hypnosis are simply acting out the social role of a 'hypnotized person,' conforming to the expectations of the situation. Analyze the following scenario from *both* of these perspectives.

Explaining Hypnotic Behavior

Analyze the following scenario using the two primary theoretical explanations for how hypnosis works. Explain how each theory would interpret the events described.

Theories of Hypnosis

Hypnotic and meditative states can both involve altered consciousness, and both have potential uses in treating physical and psychological disorders.

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