Definition · 2015
Advancing research and practice: The revised APA Division 30 definition of hypnosis
Listen instead of reading · 35 minDirty Mind: Dirty Talk Hypnosis – Find Your Own WordsNo script, no borrowed lines: a trance that lets your own words out – in a lower, slower voice. Elkins, G. R., Barabasz, A. F., Council, J. R., & Spiegel, D. · International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 63(1), 1–9
Main finding
Hypnosis is described as a state of consciousness with focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, marked by an increased capacity to respond to suggestion. Induction is the procedure used to bring about that state; hypnotizability is how well a person can experience suggested changes.
What was done
The Society of Psychological Hypnosis (Division 30 of the American Psychological Association) published revised working definitions of hypnosis, hypnotic induction, hypnotizability and hypnotherapy.
What the study does not show
A definition is an agreement between researchers, not a finding. Not everyone in the field accepts the "state" wording; sociocognitive researchers explain the same phenomena without a special state.
Cite as
Elkins, G. R., Barabasz, A. F., Council, J. R., & Spiegel, D. (2015). Advancing research and practice: The revised APA Division 30 definition of hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 63(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2014.961870
Original paperRelated topics
Terms on this page
- Hypnosis Hypnosis is a state in which you turn your attention fully inward and engage with your imagination – so much that it feels real, like an arm growing heavy.
- Hypnotic induction The induction is the way into hypnosis: breathing calmly, closing your eyes, sinking gradually deeper – the first minutes of every trance.
Found this useful? Share it.