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Chapter 5: Hypnosis

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness characterized by intensely focused attention and increased suggestibility. It was introduced by Franz Mesmer in the 18th century who believed he could cure illnesses using "animal magnetism." Today, hypnosis is understood to involve suggestion rather than mystical forces. A person must be willing to be hypnotized as their level of suggestibility varies from highly responsive to difficult to hypnotize. Hypnosis can help with relaxation, pain management, and therapy but does not enable superhuman strength or force actions against one's will.

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497 views17 pages

Chapter 5: Hypnosis

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness characterized by intensely focused attention and increased suggestibility. It was introduced by Franz Mesmer in the 18th century who believed he could cure illnesses using "animal magnetism." Today, hypnosis is understood to involve suggestion rather than mystical forces. A person must be willing to be hypnotized as their level of suggestibility varies from highly responsive to difficult to hypnotize. Hypnosis can help with relaxation, pain management, and therapy but does not enable superhuman strength or force actions against one's will.

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xion_mew2
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Chapter 5: Hypnosis

Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a condition of increased suggestibility that
occurs in the context of a special hypnotist subject
relationship.
The term hypnosis comes from Hypnos, the Greek god
of sleep, although the similarity between hypnosis and
sleep is superficial.
People in both states lose initiative, and hypnotized
people, like dreamers, accept contradictory
information without protest. Hypnotized people,
however, walk around and respond to objects in the
real world. Also, their EEG is not like that of sleepers.
Hypnosis
Altered state of consciousness characterized by
intensely narrowed attention and increased
openness to suggestion
Mesmer: Believed he could cure diseases by
passing magnets over body; true animal
magnetism (mesmerize means to hypnotize)
Must cooperate to become hypnotized
Hypnotic Susceptibility: How easily a person can be
hypnotizedthis is a stable, measurable trait
The Origin Concept
Hypnosis was introduced by Franz Anton Mesmer (17341815), an
Austrian physician. When treating medical problems, Mesmer
would pass a magnet back and forth across the patients body to
redirect the flow of blood, nerve activity, and undefined fluids.
Some patients reported dramatic benefits.
Later, Mesmer discovered that he could dispense with the magnet
and use only his hand. From this observation you or I would
conclude that the phenomenon related to the power of suggestion
instead of magnetism. Mesmer, however, drew the quirky
conclusion that he did not need a magnet because he himself was a
magnet. With that claim he gave us the term animal magnetism.
After his death others studied animal magnetism or
Mesmerism, eventually calling it hypnotism.
Ways of Inducing Hypnosis
Mesmer thought hypnosis was a power
emanating from his own body. If so, only special
people could hypnotize others.
Today, we believe that becoming a successful
hypnotist requires practice but no unusual
powers or personality.
The first step toward being hypnotized is agreeing
to give it a try. Contrary to what you may have
heard, no one can hypnotize an uncooperative
person. The hypnotist tells you, for example, to
sit down and relax.
Hypnosis Cans and Cannots
Hypnosis CAN
Help people relax
Reduce pain
Get people to make better progress in therapy
Hypnosis CANNOT
Produce acts of superhuman strength
Produce age regression
Force you to do things against your will


Stage Hypnosis
Simulation of hypnotic effects.
Tricks of the Trade:
Waking Suggestibility: People on stage do not want to spoil
the act, so they will follow any instruction.
Selection of Responsive Subjects: Any volunteer who
does not get hypnotized in the stage group and does not
follow instructions is voted off.
The Hypnosis Label Disinhibits: On stage, once you are in
a hypnotic trance, your responsibility for actions is
removed; you can do whatever you want!






Theories of Hypnosis
One of the best-known theories is Hilgards
neodissociation theory of hypnosis. According
to Hilgard, people in a hypnotic state
experience a split consciousness in which
there are two different streams of mental
activity. While one stream of consciousness
responds to the hypnotists suggestions,
another dissociated stream processes
information outside of the hypnotized
individuals conscious awareness

Can You Be Hypnotized?

Fifteen percent of people are very responsive to
hypnosis.
Children tend to be more susceptible to hypnosis.
Approximately ten percent of adults are considered
difficult or impossible to hypnotize.
People who can become easily absorbed in fantasies
are much more responsive to hypnosis.
If you are interested in being hypnotized, it is
important to remember to approach the experience
with an open mind. Research has suggested that
individuals who view hypnosis in a positive light tend
to respond better.

Alternative therapy
Weight Loss, Smoking Cessation, Stress
Reduction, Eliminating Bad Habits, Pain
Management.
Anxiety Reduction, Sleep Improvement,
Maintaining a Positive Outlook, Improving
Self-Control, Managing Temper, Eliminating
Phobias, Faster Healing After Surgery/Illness.

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