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Research: KOSSLYN and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 63
Abstract
KOSSLYN and colleagues, Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA, smk@wjh.harvard.edu investigated whether hypnosis can modulate (modify ) colour perception .
Background
If hypnosis can modify colour perception, this may provide insight into the nature and underlying mechanisms of hypnosis .
Methodology
The researchers asked 8 highly hypnotisable individuals (under hypnosis) to see a) a colour pattern in colour, b) a similar grey-scale pattern in colour, c) the colour pattern as grey scale, or d) the grey-scale pattern as grey scale, while their brain activity was being monitored by positron emission tomography (PET) scanning using ((15)O)CO2. (The classic colour perception area in the fusiform or lingual region of the brain was identified from the results obtained when subjects were asked to perceive colour as colour versus when they were asked to perceive grey as grey.)
Results
During hypnosis, when subjects were asked to perceive colour, the colour perception areas of the left and right cerebral hemispheres were activated, whether or not they were actually shown the colour or grey-scale patterns. When subjects were asked to perceive grey scale, activity in these areas of the brain decreased, whether or not they were actually shown the colour or grey-scale patterns. The changes in the left hemisphere occurred only when the subjects were under hypnosis ; whereas blood flow changes in the right hemisphere reflected instructions to perceive colour versus grey scale, whether or not the subjects were under hypnosis .
Conclusion
Changes in subjective experience achieved during hypnosis were reflected by changes in brain function that resembled those that occur in the actual process of perception. The results support the view that hypnosis is a psychological state with distinct neurological correlates rather than the result of simply adopting a role.
References
Kosslyn SM et al. Hypnotic visual illusion alters color processing in the brain. The American Journal of Psychiatry 157 (8): 1279-84. Aug 2000.
