Hypnosis and Other States of Consciousness Module Overview States of Consciousness Hypnosis Relaxation and Meditation Click on the any of the above hyperlinks to go to that section in the presentation. States of Consciousness Consciousness Awareness of yourself and your environment. Conscious (explicit) track Unconscious (implicit) track Dual Processing The principle that information is often processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks at the same time. Change Blindness Our failure to notice changes in our environment because the conscious awareness is so narrow. Change Blindness Our failure to notice changes in our environment because the conscious awareness is so narrow. Change Blindness Our failure to notice changes in our environment because the conscious awareness is so narrow. Hypnosis Hypnosis: What is Hypnosis? Hypnosis A social interaction in which a hypnotist makes suggestions about perceptions, feelings, thoughts, or behaviors, and those suggestions are followed. Social Influence Theory Theory that powerful social influences produce a state of hypnosis. This theory notes that a persons physiological state does not change under hypnosis. Social factors influence people to believe hypnosis will work. Divided Consciousness Theory Theory that during hypnosis our consciousness splits so that one aspect of consciousness is not aware of the role that other parts are playing. Promoted by Ernest Hilgard ( ) Ernest Hilgard (1904 2001) pioneering hypnosis researcher and an advocate of the divided consciousness theory of hypnosis. Hidden observer Hypnosis: Hypnosis Techniques Hypnotic Induction The process by which a hypnotist creates a state of hypnosis in a subject Usually done by voicing a series of suggestions Voice is usually calm and of a rhythmic tone Hypnotizability Differences in the ability of people to become hypnotized Varies from person to person Varies from situation to situation Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale Limits to Hypnotic Suggestions Suggestions usually involve sensations, thoughts, emotions, and a wide variety of behaviors. Hypnosis does not cause behaviors. Hypnosis can lead people to certain behaviors but so can ordinary suggestions. Posthypnotic Suggestions Hypnotic suggestion that the subject will carry out after the hypnosis session has ended. Technique can be used to encourage helpful behavior changes, such as stopping smoking or losing weight. Hypnotic Amnesia Inability to remember what happened during hypnosis because the hypnotist suggests that the subject will have no memory of that period of time Hypnosis: Application of Hypnosis Hypnosis and Memory There are isolated cases of hypnosis helping recall. Cannot be sure if the memory came back due to hypnosis Cannot be sure if the memory is accurate or one that is created to please the hypnotist Pain and Hypnosis Hypnosis does work as a means to control pain. Has a number of practical applications Other Hypnosis Claims Placebo an inactive substance or condition used to control for confounding variables. Placebo effect Age Regression Under hypnosis, the supposed ability to remember earlier periods of time in ones life Psychologists consider age regression demonstrations unreliable. Relaxation and Meditation Relaxation a state of calm Physical measures (muscle tension, breathing, blood pressures, and heart rate) decline Meditation Controlling ones thoughts to reach a state of relaxation Concentration on breathing or a particular sound or image Potential health benefits Relaxation and Heart Attacks The End