Assen Alladin

Hypnosis is described as a human condition characterized by focused attention, diminished peripheral awareness, and an amplified ability to respond to suggestions. Theories surrounding hypnosis diverge, with some viewing it as an altered state of consciousness or trance, while others propose it functions as a placebo effect, a redefinition of therapeutic interaction, or imaginative role-playing. Individuals undergoing hypnosis typically exhibit increased concentration and receptiveness to suggestions. The process often begins with a "hypnotic induction," a series of initial instructions and suggestions. Its therapeutic application is termed "hypnotherapy," and its use for entertainment is known as "stage hypnosis."

The etymology of "hypnosis" and "hypnotism" traces back to the 1820s term "neuro-hypnotism" (nervous sleep), derived from the Greek word for sleep. These terms were popularized in English by James Braid in the 1840s, who based his work on Mesmerism but proposed a different theoretical framework. Contemporary definitions highlight focused attention, deep relaxation, and increased suggestibility. Hypnotized individuals tend to focus solely on the hypnotist's communications, responding uncritically and potentially experiencing altered perceptions, sensations, and even memory changes, which can extend beyond the hypnotic session.

The nature of hypnosis is understood through competing theoretical frameworks. Altered state theories posit that hypnosis involves a distinct state of consciousness, akin to a trance, differing from ordinary awareness. Conversely, non-state theories suggest hypnosis is a result of the placebo effect, a reinterpretation of a therapeutic encounter, or a form of imaginative role-playing. A formal definition from the Society for Psychological Hypnosis describes hypnosis as a procedure where a person is guided by another to respond to suggestions for changes in subjective experience, perception, sensation, emotion, thought, or behavior. This can also be self-administered as self-hypnosis. The inference of hypnosis being induced is made when a subject responds to these suggestions, with many believing these responses are characteristic of a specific hypnotic state.

Hypnotic induction traditionally aimed to lead a subject into a "hypnotic trance." However, non-state theorists view it as a method to elevate expectations, clarify roles, and direct focus. James Braid's influential "eye-fixation" technique involved having the subject stare intently at a bright object to induce eye strain and involuntary eye closure. While Braid later acknowledged induction wasn't always necessary, and subsequent research indicated its effects might be less significant than initially thought, variations of eye-fixation, relaxation, and eye closure remain common in hypnotic techniques. Suggestion, initially described by Braid as focusing the subject's mind on a single idea, is central to hypnosis, with the hypnotist guiding the subject's responses and experiences.

The application of hypnosis, particularly for retrieving and integrating early trauma, remains a subject of controversy within the mainstream scientific community. Research suggests that hypnosis can contribute to the formation of false memories, leading some to view medical hypnosis as pseudoscience or quackery. Despite these concerns, hypnosis is utilized in various forms, including hypnotherapy for therapeutic purposes and stage hypnosis for entertainment, often described as a form of mentalism. The effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of hypnosis continue to be explored through diverse theoretical lenses, including dissociation, role theory, and altered states of functioning.