According to the neodissociation theory of hypnosis, people under hypnosis
act out what they believe is expected of them.
take on a role of following directions of the hypnotist simply to gain attention.
experience a trancelike state in which there is separation or dissociation from conscious awareness.
enter a dreamlike or REM-like state of consciousness.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
“Experience a trancelike state in which there is separation or dissociation from conscious awareness.”
Explanation:
Neodissociation theory of hypnosis, developed by Ernest Hilgard, suggests that hypnosis creates a divided state of consciousness, where part of the mind is aware and another part is dissociated from conscious control. According to this theory, individuals under hypnosis experience a trancelike state in which their conscious awareness is split, allowing them to respond to suggestions while remaining detached from their typical sense of voluntary control.
One key concept of neodissociation theory is the “hidden observer” phenomenon, which refers to the idea that, even under deep hypnosis, a part of the mind remains aware of what is happening, though the hypnotized person may not consciously recognize it. This suggests that the brain can process and react to information on multiple levels, even when the primary focus is altered under hypnosis.
Hilgard demonstrated this through his famous cold pressor experiment, where hypnotized participants who were suggested to feel no pain while their hands were submerged in ice water showed no outward distress. However, when asked if a part of them still felt pain, many acknowledged experiencing discomfort, demonstrating the concept of a hidden observer.
Neodissociation theory helps explain why hypnosis can be used for pain management, behavioral therapy, and memory recall. It supports the idea that hypnosis is not merely role-playing or acting but rather an altered state where dissociation occurs between different cognitive processes.
This theory is particularly important in psychology because it provides a scientific framework for understanding how hypnosis can influence perception, memory, and voluntary control while maintaining an underlying level of cognitive awareness.
Here is the image representing hypnosis and dissociation, illustrating the concept of neodissociation theory.