Biological rhythms have been known to play a part in human functioning since the study of circadian, twenty-four hour rhythms.  Studies have also been done pointing to smaller 90-120 minute cycles, or ultradian rhythms, playing a part in both sleep and waking cycles.  These cycles have also been attributed to the phenomenon of trance, and in particular to the hypnotic state.  This paper will look briefly at circadian and ultradian rhythms.  It will then present Ernest Rossi’s ultradian hypothesis of hypnosis and trance states, and give a an overview of some of the research. » Read the rest of this entry «

Alladin, A, Sabatini, L., & Amundson, J.K. (2007).  What should we mean by empirical validation in hypnotherapy: Evidence-based practice in clinical hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55, (2), 115-130.

Summary

This article takes on several tasks; it reviews the theoretical and experimental basis of empirical studies, gives a history and background of evidence-based practice, delineates both process and content studies, reviews the latest evidence for efficacy of hypnosis with treatment of various presenting issues, and gives suggestions for further studies within the field.  The pros and cons of evidence-based therapies are given equal weight, with the importance of balancing the art of therapy and hypnosis with evidence for both efficacy and effectiveness. » Read the rest of this entry «

The connection between hypnosis and creativity was extensively explored since the mid 1960’s, but it has largely fallen to the wayside since the beginning of the 1990s (Council, Bromley, Zabelina, & Waters, 2007).  A small body of research has been done in connection with the application of hypnosis to enhance creativity in subjects (Council, et al, 2007). This paper will present a brief overview of some of the research and theoretical work done by various authors over the past 50 years.  Two major definitions of hypnosis in relation to the creative act will be investigated, as well as the literature involving creativity enhancement.

Hypnosis and Creativity Research

Operational definitions of creativity vary between researchers (Shames & Bowers, 1992; Weisberg, 2006).  Essentially, four areas, as espoused by Rhodes, are emphasized: product, process, person and press (as cited in in Shames & Bowers).   Process is the internal, subjective experience of the creator, and is emphasized in hypnosis and creativity research (Shames & Bowers).  Why single out process only? Much of the theory of hypnosis and creativity has been an extension of the psychoanalytic theories of personality (Lynn & Sivec, 1992; Shames & Bowers).  The idea of regression is considered both an element of psychoanalytic theory and hypnosis (Bowers, 1967; Shames & Bowers). » Read the rest of this entry «

The prevailing theories of hypnotic susceptibility hold that the ability to experience hypnotic phenomena is a function of either dissociative capacity or of attentional control. However, an upcoming study in the journal Consciousness And Cognition claims to challenge both of these ideas.

The researchers administered the Waterloo-Stanford Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (Form C), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (normed for non-clinical populations), and a series of cognitive inhibition tasks to 180 study participants. They conclude, decisively, that “the data ruled out even moderate correlations between hypnotic suggestibility and all the measures of dissociation and cognitive inhibition.” » Read the rest of this entry «