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Related Experiment Videos

Spontaneous hypnosis in the forensic context.

J O Beahrs1

  • 1M. D. Mental Health Clinic, Portland VA Medical Center, Oregon 97207.

The Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Hypnosis involves altered consciousness and volition, presenting a paradox with everyday experiences. Research suggests hypnotic-like states occur spontaneously, impacting legal contexts like eyewitness testimony and criminal responsibility.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Forensic Science

Background:

  • Hypnosis is defined by altered volition, perception, cognition, and recall.
  • Research reveals a paradox: hypnosis is validated yet inseparable from everyday experiences.
  • Hypnotic-like phenomena occur spontaneously, both covertly and overtly, often linked to trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To resolve the paradox of hypnosis by proposing a multi-level model of consciousness and volition.
  • To explore the forensic implications of hypnotic-like states for criminal responsibility and eyewitness testimony.
  • To examine legal traditions protecting eyewitness testimony from hypnotic-like distortions.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of consciousness and volition.
  • Review of existing research on hypnosis and hypnotic-like phenomena.
  • Examination of case law related to hypnosis and eyewitness testimony.

Main Results:

  • Consciousness and volition are complex, multi-level processes occurring simultaneously in waking individuals.
  • Hypnotic-like phenomena are pervasive and can be associated with psychological trauma.
  • Legal defenses using hypnosis are rare; diminished capacity is more appropriate.
  • Case law addresses distortions in eyewitness testimony from hypnotic-like effects.

Conclusions:

  • A multi-level model of consciousness resolves the hypnosis paradox.
  • Hypnotic-like states have significant forensic implications, particularly for eyewitness reliability.
  • Coordinated legal approaches are necessary to manage hypnotic-like distortions in testimony.

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