Abstract
The means by which information can be transmitted in hypnosis are debated. Aim of this pilot study was to induce and maintain hypnosis without the hypnotist and the subject being in the same room. In other words, we wanted to clarify, using measurable outcomes, if the hypnotic message could be conveyed through an electronic device. We studied 6 young healthy highly hypnotizable volunteers. After a session aimed at creating the rapport, each participant underwent an experimental session consisting in the execution of a cold pressor test (CTP) in basal awake condition, during hypnotic focused analgesia in the presence of the hypnotist (HFA-P) and during hypnotic focused analgesia suggested via transceiver (HFA-R). Cardiovascular monitoring was performed throughout the session. Perceived pain intensity and hemodynamic parameters during the CPT (baseline, 1st minute, end of the test) in the three phases of the experimental session were compared with paired t-test. During both HFA-P and HFA-R, perceived pain was nullified. The times of permanence in icy water significantly increased in comparison to non-hypnotic condition by 369.2% in HFA-P and by 394.3% in HFA-R. The systolic blood pressure × heart rate product increased in non-hypnotic conditions (+27.8%, p < 0.01, at the 1st minute; +35.3%, p = 0.01, at the end) but not during HFA-P (-1% and -0.2%, NS) or HFA-R (+7.3% and -1.6%, NS). In conclusion, hypnosis induced and maintained via transceiver was equivalent to that in the presence of the hypnotist. The hypnotic information therefore turned out to be more important than the means chosen to transmit it.
Highlights
Hypnosis is becoming more and more employed in clinical practice and in research (Stewart, 2005; Häuser, Hagl, Schmierer, & Hansen, 2016; Griffiths, 2017; Iserson, 2014)
After a session aimed at creating the rapport, each participant underwent an experimental session consisting in the execution of a cold pressor test (CTP) in basal awake condition, during hypnotic focused analgesia in the presence of the hypnotist (HFA-P) and during hypnotic focused analgesia suggested via transceiver (HFA-R)
An indirect step forward in this field has recently been made by imaging studies, such as those examining neural correlation of the hypnotic state by employing functional magnetic resonance imaging or positron-emission tomography (PET) (Landry, Lifshitz, & Raz, 2017), in which hypnosis was managed via intercom and headphones (Raz, Fan, & Posner, 2005; Müller, Bachta, Schrammb, & Seitza, 2012; Douglas et al, 2014; Demertzi et al, 2011; McGeown, Mazzoni, Vannucci, & Venneri, 2015)
Summary
Hypnosis is becoming more and more employed in clinical practice and in research (Stewart, 2005; Häuser, Hagl, Schmierer, & Hansen, 2016; Griffiths, 2017; Iserson, 2014). The possibility of transmitting the hypnotic information at distance, by means of an electronic device, has been object of study since the ’70s (Stanton, 1978; Roberts, 1978; Gravitz, 1983; Cooperman & Schafer, 1983; Owens, 1970; Van Nuys, 1977). Though their results were often promising (Stanton, 1978; Owens, 1970; Van Nuys, 1977), these studies were usually lacking in scientific nature, being mainly based on self-reports of efficacy and not supported by objective and measurable data. An indirect step forward in this field has recently been made by imaging studies, such as those examining neural correlation of the hypnotic state by employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or positron-emission tomography (PET) (Landry, Lifshitz, & Raz, 2017), in which hypnosis was managed via intercom and headphones (Raz, Fan, & Posner, 2005; Müller, Bachta, Schrammb, & Seitza, 2012; Douglas et al, 2014; Demertzi et al, 2011; McGeown, Mazzoni, Vannucci, & Venneri, 2015)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
