Final answer:
Hypnosis is sometimes used by mental health professionals to treat various conditions and can be effective for pain relief and psychological disorders in those who are open to suggestion. It is important to distinguish between hypnosis as a therapeutic approach and as entertainment, with research supporting its effectiveness under certain conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mental health professionals sometimes use hypnosis to treat various problems, including phobias, and it has been found to be effective in relieving pain from burns, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. Contrary to popular belief, those who undergo hypnosis generally maintain clear memories of the hypnotic experience and have control over their own behaviors. While hypnosis can be used to enhance memory or skill, such enhancements are usually modest.
The effectiveness of hypnosis depends on the individual's openness to the power of suggestion. In the therapeutic setting, a clinician may employ relaxation and suggestion to alter a patient’s thoughts and perceptions. Research indicates that for individuals who are particularly suggestible, hypnosis can be an efficient technique. Brain imaging studies have supported the notion that hypnotic states correlate with global changes in brain functioning and may facilitate the management of pain and the treatment of psychological disorders.
Underlying theories of hypnosis include dissociation and the social role performance. The dissociation theory, supported by Ernest Hilgard's research, suggests that hypnosis represents a dissociated state of consciousness. This is where an individual can experience a separation between different levels of consciousness, as showcased in experiments with hypnotized subjects not feeling the pain of ice water while still being able to press a button to indicate pain — revealing a complex interaction between conscious awareness and the hypnotic state.