Question

How does Ernest Hilgard explain pain reduction through hypnosis?

A. Hypnosis increases dopamine levels in the body.
B. People merely play roles of the hypnotized person and attempt to ignore the pain.
C. Hypnotized individuals dissociate the experience, so part of the mind is unaware of the pain
D. Hypnosis results in an altered state of consciousness that alters brain waves in regions of the brain responsible for the perception of pain.

Answer 1

Ernest Hilgard's theory of pain reduction through hypnosis is based on dissociation, where an individual's consciousness is divided, allowing them to disassociate from the sensation of pain during the hypnotic state.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ernest Hilgard explained pain reduction through hypnosis as a result of an altered state of consciousness. In his research, he used the dissociation theory of hypnosis, suggesting that during hypnosis, a person's consciousness is divided. The hypnotized individuals acknowledge the existence of pain by performing an action (like pressing a button when their arm is placed in ice water), while their verbal report may deny the pain, indicating a dissociated state. This dissociation allows for the reduction of pain because the individual is partially detached from the sensation.

Hypnosis acts by guiding the person to focus intensely on one thing, while being comfortable and open to suggestion, increasing their suggestibility. People's ability to be hypnotized varies, but many can experience some level of hypnotic state which has been shown to be effective in pain management, among other therapeutic applications, due to the changes in brain wave patterns and focus on self.