Positive Health Online

Abstract

HOLROYD, University of California, Los Angeles, USA, holroyd@ucla.edu, writes about the science of meditation and the state of hypnosis. Abstract: Mindfulness, an aspect of Buddhist meditation, facilitates the investigation of subjective responses to hypnosis. Concentration, another aspect of Buddhist meditation, leads to altered states similar to those in hypnosis, both phenomenologically and neurologically. The similarities and differences between meditation and hypnosis can be used to shed light on the questions whether hypnosis involves an altered state of consciousness, and whether it increases suggestibility. The author concludes that a model for hypnosis should include altered states as well as a capacity for imaginative involvement and expectations.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Holroyd J. The science of meditation and the state of hypnosis. The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 46 (2): 109-128, Oct 2003.