Hypnosis
- a state of extreme self-focus and attention where minimal attention is given to external stimuli
- can be achieved through an interaction between the therapist and the patient.
- may be used in a therapeutic setting to alter the thoughts and perceptions of a patient
- has been associated with global changes in brain functioning
How can someone be hypnotized?
- The participant is guided to focus on one thing.
- The participant is made comfortable and is directed to be sleepy or relaxed.
- The participant is encouraged to use their imagination
- The participant is asked to trust the hypnotist and be open to the process of hypnosis.
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Hypnosis can be effective for pain management, treatment of depression and anxiety, weight loss, and for stopping smoking habits
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Some theories attempt to explain how does hypnosis work.
Dissociation Theory
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According to this view, hypnosis is a dissociated state of consciousness.
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This view is supported by Ernest Hilgard’s research into hypnosis and pain.
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Hilgard Experiment
- He put participants into hypnosis and placed their hands into ice water.
- They were also told that they would not feel pain.
- If they did feel pain, they could press the button.
- Results show that they pressed the button despite them reporting not feeling pain.
Social-Cognitive Theory
- This theory suggests that people in hypnosis are just performing the social roles of a hypnotized person.
- The behavior of a person can be shaped by their expectations on how they might act in a given situation.
Meditation
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the act of focusing on a single thing (eg. breaths, repeated sound) to increase awareness of the moment.
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unlike hypnosis, an individual can achieve a meditative state alone.
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often utilizes clearing the mind to achieve a state of relaxed awareness.
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It has grown popular among people that practice alternative medicine
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It has shown promises in:
- stress management
- pain management
- sleep quality
- treatment of mood and anxiety disorders