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What are some common misconceptions about hypnosis?

Posted - December 4, 2019

Responses


  • 44175
    That it is real.
      December 4, 2019 5:46 PM MST
    1

  • 1152
    I think it is probably "real" in some sense, although its advocates almost certainly exaggerate what can be done with hypnosis.

    I recall reading in one of physicist Richard Feynman's biographies that he agreed to be put under hypnosis. Now, Feynman
    was a strict materialist who did not believe in supernatural phenomena and he was quite skeptical that hypnosis would
    do anything to him. Yet, after undergoing hypnosis, he found it difficult (though not impossible) to resist the post-hypnotic
    suggestions of the person who performed the procedure.

    If someone as skeptical and wary as Feynman experiences noticeable effects under hypnosis, then I think it's probably not 100%  hokum.
      December 4, 2019 5:56 PM MST
    4

  • 4631
    The thing is, there's nothing supernatural about psychological phenomena.
    How the mind works has evolved to help us learn, imagine, and solve problems to aid us in the physical world. The mind is itself a product of a blend of physical processes. 
    I would have expected a materialist like Feynman to realise this.
      December 5, 2019 11:43 AM MST
    2

  • 1152
    I read the Feynman biographies many years ago, so the details are a bit fuzzy to me. I do recall Feynman was skeptical
    of hypnosis. I can't recount exactly the basis of his skepticism.

    I do think it's fair to note that hypnosis has sometimes been oversold by its proponents, which has given the popular understanding of it a bit of "woo" factor, similar to how the general public views astrology, ESP, faith healing, etc.
      December 5, 2019 11:52 AM MST
    3

  • 4631
    Definitely oversold -
    along with a plethora of other practices.

    I find the placebo effect one of the most interesting.
    We know from extensive and repeated double-blind testing that the placebo effect is around 30% effective in healing many conditions, both the physical kind and the psychological.
    This is pretty phenomenal when we take into account that in research, 10% effectiveness is considered medically significant enough to merit commercial production and widespread use of a drug or technique.
      December 6, 2019 11:47 PM MST
    1

  • 1152
    That's why I have my doctor give me Sucrosa when I have an illness or malady....


    https://www.theonion.com/fda-approves-sale-of-prescription-placebo-1819567087
      December 7, 2019 6:44 AM MST
    0

  • 4631
    Could you enlarge on that a bit, Ele?
    What about it is not real in your view?
      December 5, 2019 11:36 AM MST
    2

  • 44175
    Heck, I don't know. I just threw out an answer.
      December 5, 2019 12:10 PM MST
    2

  • 4631
    That's okay.
    I was just hoping to engage in a chat.
    But anything you choose is fine by me.
      December 6, 2019 11:48 PM MST
    2

  • 52905

    12. That it’s all fake

    11. That it‘s easy to perform

    10. That it’s so easy to perform that anyone can do it

    9. That only men do it

    8. That anyone is susceptible to it

    7. That if a person is susceptible to it, he or she must be extremely intelligent

    6. That if a person is susceptible to it, he or she must be extremely unintelligent 

    5. That it pays well enough to be one’s sole profession

    4. That under hypnosis, Randy D can be duped into eating guacamole, mayonnaise, or Vegemite 

    3. That it’s a great way for a guy to pick up women

    2. That it’s a lousy way for a guy to pick up women

    1. That while under hypnosis, a person does not know what he or she is doing, and comes out of it asking “What happened, where am I?”

    ~



      December 4, 2019 10:57 PM MST
    3

  • 4631
    I believe all of that is accurate. :)
      December 5, 2019 11:37 AM MST
    2

  • 52905

      (((((That’s because I hypnotized her and convinced her to believe anything I tell her. Wait until you see what happens when I have her finance my round-trip vacation to Australia, all expenses paid. Film at eleven.)))))

    ~
      December 7, 2019 7:27 AM MST
    0

  • 6988
    I must kill Pap Schmear!  I must kill Pap Schmear! 
      December 5, 2019 8:14 AM MST
    1

  • 1152
      December 5, 2019 9:38 AM MST
    4

  • 4631
    Haha! :D
      December 5, 2019 11:39 AM MST
    2

  • 4631
    I'm glad that's a misconception.:)
      December 5, 2019 11:38 AM MST
    3

  • 14795
    That you'd stand more chance with Pies.
    Then to tempted with just  Eyes.
    And you'd have more chance with Puns 
    To get your hands on my Buns 
    You could try and be sweet .
    And compliment my feet .
    Or try be witty .
    With this Chick that's so pretty.
    So dont be in haste.
    To cut to the chase 
    As it just makes no sense .
    To try on Blondes that are dense. 
    So please watse no time .
    If replying with ryme.
    As it just to dam'ed early 
    To charm this cute girly     :) 
      December 7, 2019 4:19 AM MST
    0