Unit 3 HYPNOSIS AND MEDITATION

HYPNOSIS state of awareness associated w/deep relaxation, heightened suggestibility, & highly focused attention  you are NOT asleep! Not everyone can be hypnotized  people have levels of hypnotizability (levels of responsiveness to suggestions) High scorers may experience hypnotic analgesia: diminished sensitivity to pain under hypnosis

Why does hypnosis work? Participants may recall in vivid detail incidents they had forgotten or feel no pain when pricked with a needle. It happens in this way: At all times, certain sensations and thoughts are filtered out of our awareness. For example, as you read this sentence, you are were probably not aware of the position of your feet until I called attention to that. By mentioning the position of your feet, your attention shifted to your feet – an area of your body that seconds before was outside your consciousness.

CONCERNS ABOUT HYPNOSIS highly motivated attention patients really want to be hypnotized chance for creative outlet

PURPOSE OF HYPNOSIS Pain control for hypersensitivity (Lamaze method, Valium, aspirin, Morphine, etc) Desensitizes phobic patients to extreme fears (snakes, spiders, heights, failure) Relaxation program using anti-stress methods

MEDITATION form of consciousness using repetitive behavior, assuming body position, & minimizing external stimulation Many religions of Asian & Pacific cultures believe in its use Buddhism teaches universe is illusion of the senses & meditation helps to capture reality Western views it as altered form of experience

Meditation There are three major approaches to meditation. Transcendental Mediation Involves mental repetition of a mantra, usually a Sanskrit phrase. The participant sits w/ eyes closed & meditates minutes twice a day Mindfulness Mediation Was developed from a Buddhist tradition. This form of meditation focuses on the present moment. For example, the participant may move his or her focus through the body from the tips of the toes to the top of the head, while paying particular attention to areas that cause pain. Breath Meditation Is a concentration on one’s respiration – the process of inhaling and exhaling.

EFFECTS OF MEDITATION Relaxation Reduce anxiety Reduce some bodily arousal New understandings & meaning to life (for some)

BBC DOCUMENTARY: SCIENCE OF HYPNOSIS