Introduction to Hypnosis

Common Misconceptions
- People often believe hypnosis is a distinct state of consciousness.
- It is viewed as more powerful than it actually is.
- No unique brainwave patterns associated with hypnosis.

Definition
- A deep state of highly focused attention paired with a highly relaxed state.
- More comparable to meditation than a trance-like state.
Brain Activity During Hypnosis
- EEG measurements show slightly larger amplitude and longer wavelength brainwaves, but no distinctive pattern unique to hypnosis.

Common Portrayals
- Often depicted as using a swinging stopwatch to induce a trance.
- Actual techniques involve guiding the individual to focus intently on a sound or sight.

Increased Suggestibility
- Individuals in a hypnotic state are more receptive to suggestions.
- Hypnosis does not equate to mind control; people cannot be made to act against their morals or will.
Limits of Suggestions
- Hypnosis cannot compel actions like committing crimes (e.g., killing or robbing).
- Suggestions may lead to compliance, but the degree of compliance varies.
- Types of suggestions include:
- Ideomotor Suggestions: Physical actions suggested by the hypnotist (e.g., acting like a chicken).
- Challenge Suggestions: Suggesting that a person cannot do something (e.g., not moving their arm).
- Cognitive-Perceptual Suggestions: Relating to memory or perception changes (e.g., inducing false memories, altering pain perception).

Dissociation Theory
- Defines dissociation as the loss of awareness of surroundings and time.
- Represents a normal experience (e.g., getting lost in a book).
- Hypnosis creates a divided state of consciousness allowing for increased susceptibility to suggestion.
- Example of driving on autopilot illustrates divided awareness:
- Driving while thoughts are elsewhere but still maintaining control of the vehicle.
Social Cognitive Theory
- Emphasizes the role of expectations in hypnossis susceptibility.
- Individuals who believe in the power of hypnosis are more likely to be hypnotized.
- Experimentation shows varying expectancies influence hypnotizability.
- Example: Group with high expectancy of hypnotism is more successful than those with skepticism.

Alcohol Expectation
- Experiment with non-alcoholic beer showing effects of perceived alcohol leading to behaviors such as disinhibition and slurred speech.

Clinical Uses
- Can be effective for pain relief, particularly in treating acute pain.
- Less effective for chronic pain due to established expectations of ongoing pain.
- Hypnosis is more beneficial in combination with traditional pain relief methods.

Memory Recovery
- Hypnosis previously used to access long-lost memories, but it poses serious risks.
- Increased suggestibility during hypnosis can lead individuals to fabricate memories.
- Hypnotically obtained testimonies often considered unreliable in legal contexts (e.g., Canadian legal system).
- Example from media (e.g., Special Agent Derek Morgan in Criminal Minds) wrongly portrays effective uses of hypnosis in criminal investigations.