Hypnosis – Theoretical Basis

The scientific community is divided over the exact basis as to how hypnosis works. However, what is certain is the overall realization among the medical fraternity about the utility of hypnosis in treating several ailments, and an increase in the suggestibility of a hypnotized individual.

Broadly, the theories of hypnosis can be classified as ‘state’ theories and ‘non-state’ theories. The ‘state’ theorists view hypnosis as, essentially, involving an altered state of consciousness, whereas non-state theorists believe that more mundane psychological processes, such as focused attention and expectation, are sufficient to explain hypnotic phenomenon.

Major theories surrounding hypnosis can be summarized below:

1. Neodissociation Theory – Hilgard worked on this theory based on earlier work of the French Psychiatrist Pierre Janet (1856-1947). Hilgard’s neodissociation theory falls under the ‘state’ category. Through his ‘hidden observer effect’, Hilgard proved that under hypnotic influence, the hypnotist could repress normally available conscious experience and make normally repressed processes more accessible.
2. Social Cognitive Perspective – Sarbin and Spanos supported the ‘non-state’ premise and propounded that the process of hypnosis is nothing but a response to the social and situational aspects of the hypnotic context. Among other factors that influence the subject’s actions are his expectations and beliefs about hypnosis.
3. Interactive-Phenomenological Theories – Lynn and Rhue, inspired from the socio-cognitive perspective, went a step ahead and laid more importance to the interactive process and differences between hypnotic and waking behavior. According to these theories, the subject’s personality traits have a prominent role in determining the hypnotic experience.
4. Paraprofessional Hypotheses – Heap has tried to simplify the understanding of the working of hypnosis. He has laid stress on two vital components of hypnosis – Trance and Suggestion. The trance state is a natural state of being entered into everyday by everyone, like daydreaming. This state can also be induced artificially by hypnotic induction techniques. The most common techniques employed are through suggestions of relaxation and cognitive disassociation. Heap defines trance as a “waking state in which the subject’s attention is detached from his or her immediate environment and is absorbed in an inner experience such as feelings, cognition and imagery”.

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