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