Theories of Hypnosis

Question 1

What are the two main branches of the theories of hypnosis?

Answer 1

1. experimental theories stemming from research

2. clinical theories stemming from clinical practise

Question 2

What is the end goal of a theory?

Answer 2

To be modified, updated or abandoned

- if the theory hasn’t developed in this way, the theory is considered a belief

Question 3

What are most hypnosis theories based on?

Answer 3

Attentional, cognitive, and social-psychological perspectives

Question 4

What are the three competing explanations for how hypnosis works?

Answer 4

1. dissociation theories (like the altered state view, “state-trait hypothesis)
2. Social cognitive theories (which are non-state hypotheses)
3. synergistic model (integrative model - is a non-state hypothesis which examines the components of hypnosis)

Question 5

Describe state theories.

Answer 5

• the person experiences an altered state
• brain functions are altered
• dissociation occurs (this is the process of hypnosis)
• hypnotizability is stable

Question 6

Describe the non-state theories.

Answer 6

• The response is the same without the suggestion
• participants are engaged
• responses are products of attitudes and expectancies (which are normal psychological processes)
• suggestibility can be modified with drugs or alcohol

Question 7

How do dissociation theories view hypnosis (exam question)?

Answer 7

As an altered state

Question 8

What are the two branches of dissociation theory?

Answer 8

1. The neo-dissociation theory (Hilgard, 1991)

2. the dissociated control theory

Question 9

Describe the neo-dissociation theory?

Answer 9

Cognition involves multiple systems of control which are not all conscious at the same time

• these systems are controlled by the executive ego (which can be changed via hypnosis)
• hypnosis is a process of dissociation (i.e. a division of awareness)
• has become a model to explain dissociation

Question 10

What is the problem with the neo-dissociation theory?

Answer 10

There is trouble validating the theory

• only 50% of high hypnotizables demonstrate hidden observer effects
• confederates pick up their cues on how to act from the hypnotist (while the hypnotist is unaware)

Question 11

How does the dissociative control theory view the effects of hypnosis (exam question)?

Answer 11

That hypnotic induction weakens the executive ego

- instead of being cut, the sense of agency is just weakened

Question 12

What is the benefit of the dissociated control theory?

Answer 12

The theory becomes testable because we know where in the brain the executive control is (it is located in the prefrontal and frontal regions
- high hypnotizables respond to tests, but not lows

Question 13

Where do state theories come from?

Answer 13

From Charcot’s view on hypnosis as a pathological process

Question 14

What do non-state theories argue (exam question)?

Answer 14

They argue that hypnosis stems from beliefs and expectations (the higher the level of belief, the greater the chance the subject will be highly hypnotizable)

Question 15

What do social-cognitive theories speculate is the process behind hypnosis (exam question)?

Answer 15

That social contexts influence us more than we think

• therefore, we attribute the effect of hypnosis to something else, even when it’s purely the result of demand characteristics
• this is why people describe the feelings of involuntariness

Question 16

Based on the social-cognitive theory of hypnosis, are people faking the effects of hypnosis?

Answer 16

No, they simply believe so firmly, and their expectations are so high, that they do not believe it’s them causing the behaviours

Question 17

What is executive ego?

Answer 17

Manages input and output in everyday life

Question 18

What is an amnesic barrier?

Answer 18

The division in executive ego between conscious self and hypnotized self (this is an explanation for involuntariness)

Question 19

What is the hidden observer?

Answer 19

An experiment which spoke to the hypothesized conscious part of the person being hypnotized, to see if there was a response different from the hypnotic response (ex. if there is some part of you that is more aware, tell me how much pain you are in)

Question 20

What is a perceptual set?

Answer 20

The readiness to act on suggestions and perceive hypnotic experiences as real and involuntary

Question 21

What is believed-in imagining (exam question)?

Answer 21

It is a role enactment stemming from the expectations placed on us in a social environment (they are suddenly convinced imagination is reality)
- aka organismic involvement

Question 22

Why is there no need for an altered state view (exam question)?

Answer 22

Because social psychology is effective at explaining what’s happening (that is, it is linked to expectations)

Question 23

Describe the synergistic model of the theory of hypnosis?

Answer 23

• the emphasis is placed on hypnotizability and hypnosis as a context
• behaviours and experiences are shaped by contexts and abilities
• involuntariness is a consequence of automaticity of processing, and expectations and beliefs

Question 24

What does the synergistic model consist of (exam question)?

Answer 24

• cognitive-affective variables (ex. absorption and dream control)
• social-psychological variables (ex. attitudes and expectancies)
• situational/contextual variables (ex. experimental, stage hypnosis, forensic)

Question 25

According to the synergistic model of hypnosis, which variable is necessary to produce a hypnotic response?

Answer 25

The situational and contextual variables

Question 26

Is an altered state still possible, according to the synergistic model?

Answer 26

Yes, when all variables are met

Question 27

How do we go about testing the different theories of hypnosis?

Answer 27

Using experiments such as the real-simulator design (1959)

Question 28

Describe the real-simulator design (exam question)?

Answer 28

• simulators (low hypnotizable confederates) are asked to try to fool the hypnotist into thinking they are high hypnotizables
• the simulator’s behaviours are a result of demand characteristics
• genuine hypnotic behaviour is a mixture of demand characteristics, as well as hypnotic effects
• if the hypnotist stops during the process, he/she knows the person was a confederate
• this allows separation of real hypnotic effects from demand characteristics