Approximate reading time: 5 minutes

Hypnosis is a fascinating and complex psychological phenomenon that has intrigued scientists, psychologists, and the public alike. In this section, we’ll explore the various theories about how hypnosis works.

1. Dissociation Theory (Hilgard & Hilgard, 1994)

Explanation

The dissociation theory, proposed by Ernest Hilgard, suggests that hypnosis causes a split in consciousness. This means that during hypnosis, one part of the mind is aware of reality, while another part is deeply absorbed in the hypnotic experience. This theory is exemplified in Hilgard’s experiments where subjects under hypnosis reported not feeling pain but reacted to it unconsciously (Hilgard & Hilgard, 1994). The theory is particularly relevant in explaining hypnotic analgesia, where subjects experience pain relief under hypnosis. This aligns with the idea of dissociation, as the mind separates the sensation of pain from conscious awareness (Freeman et al., 2000; Oswald, 1985).

Relevance

This theory is crucial for understanding how hypnosis can be used in pain management and therapy, as it explains how a person can be aware and unaware of sensations simultaneously.

2. Social Role Theory (Lynn, Rhue, & Weekes, 1990; Kirsch, 1991)

Explanation

This theory by Nicholas Spanos views hypnosis as a social role that individuals perform. It suggests that the behaviours and experiences of a hypnotized person are influenced by their expectations of how they should act while hypnotized. This theory implies that hypnosis is not a special state of consciousness but a form of social compliance or role-playing.

Relevance

This perspective is important for understanding the placebo effect and the power of suggestion in hypnosis.

3. Response Sets and Hierarchical Control Systems (Kirsch & Lynn, 1998)

Explanation

This theory, proposed by Kirsch and Lynn, emphasizes the role of response expectancy in hypnosis. The concept of “response sets” refers to the predisposition of individuals to respond to suggestions. This theory integrates cognitive and social perspectives, suggesting that expectations play a key role in hypnotic experiences.

Relevance

Understanding this theory helps in comprehending how suggestions can effectively alter a person’s perception and behaviour during hypnosis.

4. Relaxation and Increased Suggestibility (Becker, 2015)

Explanation

This theory suggests that hypnosis works through deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility, leading to changes in perception, memory, and behaviour. When a person is deeply relaxed, they become more open to suggestions, which can lead to changes in perception, memory, and behaviour (Becker, 2015). However, it’s important to note that relaxation is not a necessary component for all hypnotic phenomena. (Hammond, 2010; Elkins, 2014)

Relevance

This theory is significant for therapeutic applications of hypnosis, especially in stress reduction and anxiety management.

5. Psychophysiological Mechanisms (West, 1960)

Explanation

According to this theory, hypnosis affects the psychophysiological mechanisms in the body, particularly the nervous system. It suggests that hypnosis can alter a person’s state of awareness by influencing the brain’s attention and consciousness systems (West, 1960). However, the exact mechanisms remain a subject of ongoing research. (Oakley & Halligan, 2013; Jensen et al., 2017).

Relevance

This theory provides a biological basis for hypnosis, explaining how it can affect physical responses and sensations.

6. Manipulation of Subjective Awareness (Oakley & Halligan, 2013)

Explanation

This theory suggests that hypnosis changes a person’s subjective experience. It can modify how we perceive, feel, and respond to different situations, influencing attention, bodily control, pain perception, and belief formation (Oakley & Halligan, 2013). This perspective aligns with contemporary research suggesting that hypnosis can modulate various cognitive and perceptual processes (Oakley & Halligan, 2013; Terhune et al., 2017).

Relevance

This theory is important for understanding how hypnosis can be used in altering perceptions and behaviours in therapeutic settings.

7. Top-Down Regulation of Consciousness (Terhune et al., 2017)

Explanation

This modern theory describes hypnosis as a process that starts in the higher brain functions and influences lower-level processes. It suggests that hypnosis uses verbal suggestions to bring about changes in various psychological phenomena (Terhune et al., 2017). The top-down regulation theory, as proposed by Terhune and colleagues, is supported by recent neuro-scientific research. It suggests that hypnosis involves top-down cognitive control processes, influencing various psychological phenomena. (Terhune et al., 2017; Jensen et al., 2017)

Relevance

This theory is crucial for understanding the cognitive aspects of hypnosis and its potential in modifying thought patterns and behaviours.