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The confusion technique untangled: its theoretical rationale and preliminary classification.
The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Milton H. Erickson
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Hypnotherapy
Background:
- Milton H. Erickson pioneered innovative therapeutic techniques.
- Confusion as a therapeutic tool in hypnosis remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the historical development of Erickson's Confusion Technique.
- To categorize linguistic characteristics of confusion suggestions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Erickson's theoretical approach.
- Analysis of confusion suggestions based on seven linguistic features: antonyms, homonyms, synonyms, elaboration, interruption, echoing, and uncommon words.
Main Results:
- The Confusion Technique involves a "confusion-restructuring" process.
- Identified seven distinct linguistic characteristics employed in confusion suggestions.
Conclusions:
- Erickson's Confusion Technique is a significant but under-researched hypnotic strategy.
- Further investigation into the nature and properties of this technique is recommended.