International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis最新文献

Mystical-type experiences can be induced through techniques like hypnosis and meditation. These experiences are common in near-death experiences (NDEs) and have been linked to paranormal beliefs. This study explored auto-induced cognitive trance (AICT) as a method to induce mystical-type experiences and NDE outside of life threatening situations (NDE-like), as well as examining the influence of factors like religious/spirituality practices, and paranormal beliefs. Twenty-seven participants capable of self-inducing AICT were studied. Before the experiment, their religious/spirituality practices and paranormal beliefs were assessed. Participants underwent five conditions: rest, rest with auditory stimulation, imagination, AICT, and AICT with auditory stimulation. Experience intensity, mystical-type experiences, and NDEs-like were measured before and after AICT and rest. Results showed that AICT induce mystical-type experiences more frequently (29%) compared to the rest condition (0%). More specifically, the intensity of the experience and features of NDEs-like during AICT were linked to mystical-type experiences during AICT only. This is the first study to demonstrate that AICT can induce mystical-type experiences in healthy individuals.

Alterations in consciousness have long been used to enhance creativity. Here, we focus on the ways in which hypnosis and psychedelics alter consciousness to enhance creativity, drawing on both research and first-hand accounts. The research utilizes standard measures of creativity as well as assessments of artistic, musical, and work-related problem-solving ability. First-hand accounts of scientific discovery offer individual perspective on creativity via personal experience. Various mechanisms of how altered states may enhance creativity are explored including the roles of positive mood, flow, heightened senses, tapping into the unconscious, variations in thought processes (i.e. the Dynamic Framework of Thought Theory), and spiritual inspiration. Finally, limitations and future directions are addressed.

The purpose of the present study is to determine feasibility and acceptability of a standardized hypnosis-oriented intervention for a mystical experience based on a conceptual framework including cognitive expectancy, demand characteristics, the induced hypnotic state, and the role of hypnotizability. Ten college student participants provided informed consent and underwent a hypnosis-based exercise designed to facilitate a mystical experience. The hypnosis-oriented intervention was provided in a setting similar to that used in psychedelic drug research. All participants were in the mid-to-high range of hypnotizability. Results revealed that the hypnosis-oriented intervention was feasible and acceptable based on a composite acceptability score of 9.45 and no dropouts. All participants indicated that they would participate again if given the opportunity. Additionally, 70% of participants met criteria for a "complete mystical experience" as measured by the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30). While these results are encouraging, additional research is needed, including replication with a larger sample.

Mystical experiences (MEs) are often profound and transformative encounters with a transcendent reality. Reported across many cultures and religions, these experiences are commonly characterized by a sense of unity, transcendence of time and space, positive mood, ineffability, and a noetic quality. Theoretical models have emphasized psychological, neurological, and sociocultural explanations to account for their positive effects on individuals, and psychometric tools have been developed to offer standardized methods to assess experience intensity and impact. MEs indicate significant potential in clinical psychology and have demonstrated psychotherapeutic benefit in the treatment of various conditions. We propose a novel conceptual framework to guide future use of MEs in therapeutic contexts, as interest in the mystical realm exponentially grows. The framework centers around the ME itself highlighting a requisite non-ordinary state of consciousness to foster intensely felt experiences occasioning profound psychological impact. The framework posits that MEs require three pre-state factors: invitation, context, and individual aptitude. After experiencing an ME, a necessary mediating factor in experiencing beneficial change is the process of integration.

Severe postoperative pain can lead to chronic pain and long-term opioid use, increasing the risk of addiction. This study evaluated the feasibility and effects of therapeutic hypnosis (TH) compared to standard care (SC) on postoperative pain and opioid use in shoulder replacement surgery. Sixty-four out of 96 eligible participants were enrolled. Forty-nine completed the study; 25 received TH, and 24 received SC. TH participants listened to a hypnosis audio recording starting 7 days prior to surgery. Ninety-seven percent adhered to the treatment by accessing the recording at least once before surgery, and 90% reported satisfaction with the intervention. TH reported lower pain intensity than SC participants pre- and postoperatively, with medium effect size differences at Day 10. Additionally, TH participants used half as much opioid medication during the immediate postoperative period (Days 1-3) compared to SC participants. The TH intervention appears feasible, and conducting a fully powered clinical trial appears warranted.

This study investigates the relationship between hypnotizability inside and outside hypnosis. Hypnotizability reflects one's responsiveness to hypnotic suggestions. Imagery vividness seems to be crucial for hypnosis, but the empirical data are inconsistent. We tested 56 participants using the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) for outside hypnosis (trait) imagery, the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) inside hypnosis for state imagery, and the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS) for hypnotizability. No significant correlation was found between hypnotizability and trait imagery (r = 0.13). However, moderate correlation was found between hypnotizability and state imagery during hypnosis (r ≈ 0.45). These results suggest that while there might be no or negligible relationship between general imaginative capacity (trait imagery), and hypnotizability, the ability to engage in vivid imagery in specific contexts (state imagery) is associated with higher hypnotic susceptibility. This highlights the importance of context in imaginative abilities during hypnosis and suggests that situational engagement in imagery, rather than a stable trait, influences hypnotic responsiveness.

This case study explores the successful treatment of severe ornithophobia in a 25-year-old woman, referred to as Emma, through a novel hypnotic intervention that integrates mindfulness and autogenic training. Emma's chronic fear of pigeons had significantly impacted her professional life. The Severity Measure for Specific Phobia-Adult (SMSP-A) was used to assess her level of phobia pre- and post-intervention, as well as at a 6-month follow-up. Emma's hypnotizability was measured using the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale - Form C (SHSS:C). Following a single hypnotic session, Emma experienced accidental physical contact with a pigeon. This incident activated the resourcefulness response elicited during hypnosis, leading to an instant healing of her phobia. This positive outcome not only persisted but showed further improvement at follow-up. Additionally, Emma resumed her university studies and overcame her driving phobia. These findings suggest that the intervention was efficacious in treating Emma's ornithophobia and promoting her overall personal growth. The study provides a comprehensive account of the intervention and discusses its implications for treatment.

Chronic pain is a health issue for millions of people and costs billions of dollars in health care and work productivity. Medical interventions, while sometimes beneficial, often fail, and issues surrounding opioid analgesics constitute a significant concern. Hypnosis has shown great promise in reducing suffering from chronic pain, but it is often applied incorrectly or insufficiently to address this problem. This article discusses using a biopsychosocial model for managing pain centered on hypnosis, based on recent publications. We present eight modules of psychotherapy informed by hypnosis, meditation, and motivational interviewing. The modules include a biopsychosocial assessment, motivational interviewing, cognitive interventions, hypnosis, meditation, activity, psychological factors, and sleep. We stress that a linear progression through the modules is not expected. Further, the proportion of attention to each module will vary from patient to patient. The ultimate goal of this approach is to manage rather than cure pain, and successful treatment outcomes focus on increased movement, productivity, and overall life satisfaction rather than solely pain reduction.

Chronic illnesses require a multifaceted treatment approach, and clinical hypnosis has shown promise as a complementary intervention. This scoping review maps the evidence on clinical hypnosis for chronic illness management, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley's (2005), a systematic search in PubMed and Scopus identified 16 RCTs involving adults with conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, obesity, and heart disease. Studies were conducted primarily in Europe and the USA, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 169, predominantly among middle-aged adults. Hypnosis interventions varied, including relaxation induction, positive imagery, and self-hypnosis, often combined with therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Positive outcomes were found in pain reduction, emotional distress, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue, particularly among patients with fibromyalgia and cancer. This review underscores the potential of clinical hypnosis to reducing pain and enhancing well-being. However, the methodological heterogeneity across studies highlights the need for more rigorous research to optimize hypnosis-based interventions for chronic conditions.