Final answer:
Hypnotism is a growing area of interest in psychological research and has shown effectiveness in therapeutic settings for various purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypnotism as a subject in universities is not widely accepted as a mainstream field of study, but it is a growing area of interest in psychological research. Historically, hypnotism has been viewed with suspicion due to its portrayal in popular media and entertainment. In therapeutic settings, hypnosis is used to alter thoughts and perceptions, as well as to draw out buried memories. It has shown some effectiveness for pain management, treatment of depression and anxiety, smoking cessation, and weight loss.