Book «Introduction to Psychology». Authors — R.L. Atkinson, R.S. Atkinson, E.E. Smith, D.J. Boehm, S. Nolen-Hoeksema. Under the general editorship of V.P. Zinchenko. 15th international edition, St. Petersburg, Prime Eurosign, 2007.
Article from chapter 6. Consciousness
None of the altered states of consciousness raises more questions than hypnosis. Once associated with the occult, hypnosis has become the subject of serious scientific study. As with all areas of psychological research, uncertainties remain, but many facts have been established by now.
Entering a hypnotic state
In hypnosis, a willing and cooperative subject (which is the only thing required of him in most situations) gives up some control over his behavior to the hypnotist and accepts some distortion of reality. Using various techniques, the hypnotist induces a state of hypnosis. See →
Hypnotic Suggestions
Suggestions given to the subject under hypnosis can lead to a variety of behaviors and sensations. You can affect a person’s motor control, you can forget something new or revive the memory of the past, and the current perception can change radically. See →
Hidden Watcher
The concept of the hidden observer was proposed by Hilgard (1986), who noted that in many subjects under hypnosis, a part of the mind that is not conscious observes the experience of the subject as a whole. See →