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Brain dynamics and hypnosis: attentional and disattentional processes
1Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg 24061-0436.
Summary
Highly hypnotizable individuals exhibit superior attentional filtering, a trait linked to distinct brain dynamics. This research supports a neuropsychophysiological model of hypnosis, highlighting enhanced attention in highly hypnotizable subjects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Hypnotizability is associated with attentional differences.
- Existing models suggest varying attentional control in hypnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research supporting an evolving neuropsychophysiological model of hypnosis.
- To examine attentional filtering abilities in highly hypnotizable individuals (highs) versus low hypnotizable individuals (lows).
- To explore the neurophysiological underpinnings of these attentional differences.
Main Methods:
- Review of behavioral, cognitive, and neurophysiological evidence.
- Analysis of studies on electrocortical activity, event-related potentials, and regional cerebral blood flow.
- Examination of data from both waking and hypnotic states.
Main Results:
- Highly hypnotizable individuals demonstrate stronger attentional filtering abilities.
- Highs exhibit enhanced capacity to focus, sustain attention, and ignore irrelevant stimuli.
- Attentional differences correlate with distinct brain dynamics in the fronto-limbic system.
Conclusions:
- Hypnosis is characterized by a state of enhanced attention.
- An interplay between cortical and subcortical brain dynamics is crucial for hypnotic phenomena.
- Neurophysiological differences in the attentional system underlie variations in hypnotizability.