-
Title
-
An Exploration of the Effects of the Hypnotic State on Cognitive Functioning
-
Creator
-
Ksenia Tchoubarova
-
Supervisor
-
Professor John Nuttall, Professor Joanne Lusher and Dr. Rosamond Watling
-
Date
-
2024
-
Abstract
-
This study contributes to knowledge regarding the effects of state specific hypnosis on reasoning and perception. The research used a mixed methods research design consisting of an experimental quantitative part (Part One) combined with a qualitative inquiry part (Part Two). The quantitative part investigated the impact of three states of consciousness (hypnosis, progressive muscle relaxation and the control condition of no treatment) on emotional empathy, self-attribution, and affect, in thirty adult participants. Three questionnaire measures were employed in a controlled observational setting to examine and compare the dependent variables in the three conditions. These measures consisted of the Questionnaire Measure for emotional Empathy (QMEE), the Attributional Assessment test, Version II (ASAT II) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). A qualitative approach was then used to explore the subjective experiences of five participants from the hypnosis group in the quantitative part of the study. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The experimental Part One findings indicated that there is a statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to the three conditions for emotional empathy (QMEE), positive affect (PANAS) and self-attribution (ASAT II). The emotional empathy QMEE scores were statistically significantly higher for those in the hypnosis condition compared to those in the no treatment condition. The self-attribution ASAT II scores revealed that there are statistically significant differences for strategy attributions for success scenarios between the hypnosis and the progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) conditions. Additionally, the scores revealed that there are also significant differences between the hypnosis and the PMR conditions for effort attributions for success scenarios. The positive affect PANAS scores were statistically 10 significantly higher for those in the hypnosis condition compared to those in the no treatment condition. Also, a statistically significant difference was observed between those in the PMR (higher) and no treatment conditions. The qualitative inquiry asserts that perceptual changes take place during hypnotic induction. The qualitative Part Two findings revealed four major themes associated with the experience of being hypnotised; a pleasant and happy place, spontaneity and feeling free, not what I expected, and expanded perspective. The qualitative insights introduced information about the lived experience of the hypnotic state. The combined research findings yield new knowledge about how the hypnotic state affects cognitive functioning, specifically with regard to reasoning and interpretation. This knowledge has identified potential cognitive restructuring competencies associated with the hypnotic state, which are clinically valuable and indicative for further research. The research contributes to the development of a practical and theoretical framework for psychotherapy and psychology, which posits state specific cognitive and perceptual effects of the hypnotic state.
Keywords: Cognitive Functioning, Perception, Interpretation, Trance Logic, Empathy,
Affect, Attribution, Hypnosis
-
Subject
-
Psychology and Psychotherapy
-
Extent
-
358 Pages
-
Format
-
Document
-
degree
-
Doctorate, DrPhil
-
Language
-
Eng
-
Date Issued
-
2024
