Hypnosis, suggestion, and suggestibility: an integrative model

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Hypnosis is a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple factors.
• Previous research often studied these factors in isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an integrative model of hypnosis.
• To examine the interplay of social, cultural, cognitive, and neurophysiological variables.
• To understand their role in hypnotic induction, suggestion, and involuntariness.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and theoretical synthesis.
• Examination of existing research on hypnotic suggestibility, cognitive flexibility, expectancies, and the default-mode network.
• Integration of social psychological variables.

Main Results:

• An integrative model is proposed, highlighting the dynamic interaction of diverse variables.
• These variables influence the multifaceted experience of hypnosis, including involuntariness.
• Specific areas like hypnotic suggestibility and neurophysiological correlates are identified as promising research avenues.

Conclusions:

• An integrative approach is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of hypnosis.
• Future research should combine neurophysiological and social psychological perspectives.
• This model offers a framework for future investigations into the nature of hypnosis.