Hypnosis
Definition and History
Hypnosis is a psychological state with physiological attributes superficially resembling sleep and marked by an individual's level of awareness other than the ordinary conscious state. This state is often characterized by heightened suggestibility, deep relaxation, and highly focused attention. The term "hypnosis" derives from the Greek word "hypnos," meaning sleep, coined by Scottish surgeon James Braid in the 19th century.
The history of hypnosis dates back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians and Greeks used forms of hypnosis for therapy, known as temple sleep, a ritual of divine healing in sleep temples. In the 18th century, Franz Mesmer, a German physician, introduced the concept of "animal magnetism," which later evolved into what we now know as hypnosis.
Theories of Hypnosis
There are several theories that attempt to explain the phenomenon of hypnosis. The "state" theory suggests that hypnosis is a unique state of consciousness, distinct from wakefulness and sleep. The "non-state" theory, on the other hand, argues that hypnosis is not a unique state but rather a form of focused attention combined with suggestibility and expectation.
The "dissociation" theory of hypnosis, proposed by Ernest Hilgard, posits that hypnosis causes a split in awareness, allowing some thoughts and behaviors to occur simultaneously without conscious control. The "social role-taking" theory, proposed by Nicholas Spanos, suggests that hypnosis is a social construct in which the subject takes on a role and behaves according to the expectations of the hypnotist and the situation.
Techniques and Applications
Hypnosis techniques vary, but most involve a form of relaxation and concentration. The hypnotist may use a variety of techniques to guide the subject into a hypnotic state, such as the "eye-fixation" technique, where the subject is asked to focus on a specific object.
Hypnosis has been used in various fields, including psychology, medicine, and entertainment. In psychology, hypnosis is often used in therapy to help patients explore painful thoughts, feelings, and memories they might have hidden from their conscious minds. This is known as hypnotherapy. In medicine, hypnosis has been used to alleviate chronic pain and to prepare patients for surgery. In entertainment, stage hypnotists perform shows in which they hypnotize members of the audience.
Research and Efficacy
Research on hypnosis has been conducted since the 18th century. The efficacy of hypnosis in various applications, such as pain management, anxiety reduction, and behavior modification, has been supported by a substantial body of research. However, the mechanisms through which hypnosis works are still not fully understood.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its long history and widespread use, hypnosis has been the subject of numerous criticisms and controversies. Some critics argue that the effects of hypnosis can be attributed to placebo effects or social compliance. Others question the ethics of using hypnosis, particularly in forensic settings, due to the potential for creating false memories.