Myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and suggestion: Separating fact and fiction

Summary We present 21 prominent myths and misconceptions about hypnosis in order to promulgate accurate information and to highlight questions for future research. We argue that these myths and misconceptions have (a) fostered a skewed and stereotyped view of hypnosis among the lay public, (b) disco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inApplied cognitive psychology Vol. 34; no. 6; pp. 1253 - 1264
Main Authors Lynn, Steven Jay, Kirsch, Irving, Terhune, Devin B., Green, Joseph P.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Bognor Regis Wiley 01.11.2020
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
Subjects
Accuracy
Consciousness
Fiction
Hypnosis
Hypnotic suggestibility
hypnotizability
Information Sources
Intervention
Memory
Misconceptions
myth
Mythology
Responsiveness
Scientific Research
Stereotypes
Suggestibility
suggestion
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Summary:Summary We present 21 prominent myths and misconceptions about hypnosis in order to promulgate accurate information and to highlight questions for future research. We argue that these myths and misconceptions have (a) fostered a skewed and stereotyped view of hypnosis among the lay public, (b) discouraged participant involvement in potentially helpful hypnotic interventions, and (c) impeded the exploration and application of hypnosis in scientific and practitioner communities. Myths reviewed span the view that hypnosis produces a trance or special state of consciousness and allied myths on topics related to hypnotic interventions; hypnotic responsiveness and the modification of hypnotic suggestibility; inducing hypnosis; and hypnosis and memory, awareness, and the experience of nonvolition. By demarcating myth from mystery and fact from fiction, and by highlighting what is known as well as what remains to be discovered, the science and practice of hypnosis can be advanced and grounded on a firmer empirical footing.
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ISSN:0888-4080
1099-0720
DOI:10.1002/acp.3730