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A theory of hypnosis based mainly on principles of conditioning and inhibition is proposed, covering the hypnotic induction process, hypnotic phenomena and post‐hypnotic phenomena. The overall explanation presented is delineated in a set of three initial postulates and seven subsequent hypotheses. Hypnotic induction is defined as the giving of a series of suggestions so that a positive response to a previous suggestion conditions the subject to respond more strongly to the next suggestion. This induction process is placed in a conditioning paradigm, with the condition stimulus (CS), unconditioned stimulus (UCS), conditioned response (CR) and unconditioned response (UCR), trials and reinforcement clearly delineated. Summarized in brief, hypnotic induction is explained as the conditioning of an inhibitory set, a set which increases responsiveness to suggestion by inhibiting stimuli and thoughts which would contradict the suggested response. The various hypnotic and post‐hypnotic phenomena are explained in terms of this set. Post‐hypnotic behaviour changes are further explained as produced through a process of higher‐order conditioning; hypnosis facilitates such conditioning thanks to the inhibitory set which suppresses any interfering stimuli. The theory may be broad enough to cover not only hypnosis but also related areas such as persuasion, the placebo effect and faith. Copyright © 2001 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis

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