States of Consciousness: Part II

A man by the name of Ernest Hilgard defined Hypnosis as "an altered state consciousness during which the person's conscious is divided or disassociated." In this state, Hilgard said that people are more suggestible and have a greater ability to control physiological functions such as pain perception.

Others have disputed the above mentioned concept such as Theodore X. Barber, who claimed hypnosis to not be an altered state of consciousness but claimed that certain people are more prone to suggestion and all the effects of hypnosis can be achieved without it. Followers of this belief see the hypnotized as role players pretending to be under the power of hypnosis. Barber also noticed that task-motivating instructions worked almost as effectively as hypnotic induction.

It seems, though, that there is actual research to support hypnosis as a definite altered state of consciousness. Hypnotized individuals were analyzed via PET brain imaging, and researchers discovered an increased activation of the occipital lobe and the frontal lobe, especially in the areas involving language. Also, an area in the cerebral cortex associated with attention showed increased stimulation.

A third definition of hypnosis states that it is a state of focused attention that allows people to relax and learn to control body functions (Olness, 1993). This is a more objective definition focusing on the characteristics and benefits of hypnosis. The research will still continue in hopes of finding a universal definition for the controversial subject of hypnosis.

Those under the effects of hypnosis, with the guidance of a health care professional, exhibit an increased ability to relax and manage pain control. These symptoms are considered real and are used to help individuals control various types of pain, from childbirth to cancer pain. Hypnosis also assists in stress management, such as coping with trauma.