- Describe hypnosis and meditation
Our states of consciousness change as we move from wakefulness to sleep. We also alter our consciousness through the use of various psychoactive drugs. This final section will consider hypnotic and meditative states as additional examples of altered states of consciousness experienced by some individuals.
Hypnosis
hypnosis
Hypnosis is a state of extreme self-focus and attention in which minimal attention is given to external stimuli.
Uses of Hypnosis
In the therapeutic setting, a clinician often will use relaxation and suggestion in an attempt to alter the thoughts and perceptions of a patient. Hypnosis has also been used to draw out information believed to be buried deeply in someone’s memory. For individuals who are especially open to the power of suggestion, this can prove to be a very effective technique, and brain imaging studies have demonstrated that hypnotic states are associated with global changes in brain functioning (Del Casale et al., 2012; Guldenmund, Vanhaudenhuyse, Boly, Laureys, & Soddu, 2012). It is important to note that some argue hypnosis alone may not be effective in all cases, and it may produce false memories.[1][2]
Hypnosis has come to be viewed with some suspicion because of its portrayal in popular media and entertainment (Figure 1). Therefore, it is important to make a distinction between hypnosis as an empirically based therapeutic approach versus as a form of entertainment. Contrary to popular belief, individuals undergoing hypnosis usually have clear memories of the hypnotic experience and are in control of their own behaviors. While hypnosis may be useful in enhancing memory or a skill, such enhancements are often temporary or very modest in nature (Raz, 2011).
The Process of Hypnosis
How exactly does a hypnotist bring a participant into a hypnotized state? While there are variations, there are four main steps to bringing people into a state of hypnotic suggestibility (National Research Council, 1994). These steps include:
- The participant is guided to focus on one thing, such as the hypnotist’s words or a ticking watch.
- The participant is made comfortable and is directed to be relaxed and sleepy.
- The participant is told to be open to the process of hypnosis, to trust the hypnotist, and to “let go.”
- The participant is encouraged to use their imagination.
These steps are conducive to being open to the heightened suggestibility of hypnosis.
People vary in terms of their ability to be hypnotized, but a review of available research suggests that most people are at least moderately hypnotizable (Kihlstrom, 2013). Hypnosis in conjunction with other techniques is used for a variety of therapeutic purposes and has shown to be at least somewhat effective for pain management, treatment of depression and anxiety, smoking cessation, and weight loss (Alladin, 2012; Elkins, Johnson, & Fisher, 2012; Golden, 2012; Montgomery, Schnur, & Kravits, 2012).
Theories on Hypnosis
How does hypnosis work? Two theories attempt to answer this question:
Theories on Hypnosis
One theory views hypnosis as dissociation while another theory views it as the performance of a social role.
According to the dissociation theory of hypnosis, hypnosis is effectively a dissociated state of consciousness, much like our earlier example where you may drive to work, but you are only minimally aware of the process of driving because your attention is focused elsewhere.
This theory is supported by Ernest Hilgard’s research into hypnosis and pain. In Hilgard’s experiments, he induced participants into a state of hypnosis, and placed their arms into ice water. Participants were told they would not feel pain, but they could press a button if they did. While participants did not report feeling pain, they did, in fact, press the button, suggesting a dissociation of consciousness while in the hypnotic state (Hilgard & Hilgard, 1994).
The social-cognitive theory of hypnosis sees people in hypnotic states as performing the social role of a hypnotized person. As you will learn when you study social roles, people’s behavior can be shaped by their expectations of how they should act in a given situation. Some psychologists view a hypnotized person’s behavior not as an altered or dissociated state of consciousness but as that person’s fulfillment of the social expectations for that role (Coe, 2009; Coe & Sarbin, 1966).