Hypnosis and the potential application in the school setting.

Abstract

H ypnosis is considered a mind-body intervention given its influences on perception and physical sensations. Perceptual changes occur as an individual engages in imagination and visualization. Somatic effects have been noted in its application to treat headaches, pain, and gastrointestinal distress. Current research on the efficacy of hypnotic interventions has been limited, although historically, several studies or case reviews have documented hypnosis as a promising approach when addressing those health-related complaints, reducing anxiety, and bolstering confidence, focus, and motivation for academic performance. In this chapter, we review the benefits of hypnosis with students in more detail, along with practical and ethical considerations for implementing hypnosis in schools. OVERVIEW OF CLINICAL HYPNOSISTwo leading organizations have put forth definitions of hypnosis. In 2014, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH; 2019b) described hypnosis as an altered state of awareness, perception or consciousness that is used, by licensed and trained doctors or masters prepared individuals, for treating a psychological or physical problem. It is a highly relaxed state. Hypnosis is a state of inner

Using hypnotic suggestion in the rehabilitation of working memory capacity after acquired brain injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…The hypnotic state is a condition of openness to suggestions so that they may be used to elicit changes in a diverse array of psychological and bodily functions [ 21 ]. Reviews of hypnotic treatment in psychology [ 22 ] and medicine [ 23 ] are impressive, with demonstrated efficacy for anxiety [ 24 ], depression [ 25 , 26 ], chronic pain [ 27 ], and headache [ 28 ] as an adjunct or alternative to anesthesia during surgery [ 29 ], in neurorehabilitation for motor disorders [ 30 , 31 ], pain and vertigo [ 32 ], and aphasia [ 33 ]. Recent publications have made advancements in identifying the neural correlates underlying the hypnotic state [ 34 ].…”

“…Thus, changed expectations about the possibility of dealing with the consequences of brain injury, i.e., improved self-efficacy, are a potential candidate in mediating generalization effects in cognitive rehabilitation [ 26 ]. Hypnosis seems to be particularly well positioned to enhance self-efficacy [ 30 ] and change expectations of psychological and behavioral outcomes in order to build confidence in one’s ability to cope with or solve problems [ 31 , 32 , 39 , 40 ]. A person’s brain injury expectations may influence their cognitive performances through mechanisms similar to the nocebo effect [ 41 ].…”

Using hypnotic suggestion in the rehabilitation of working memory capacity after acquired brain injury: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

“…Thus, changed expectations about the possibility of dealing with the consequences of brain injury, i.e., improved self-efficacy, are a potential candidate in mediating generalization effects in cognitive rehabilitation [26]. Hypnosis seems to be particularly well positioned to enhance self-efficacy [30] and change expectations of psychological and behavioral outcomes in order to build confidence in one's ability to cope with or solve problems [31,32,39,40]. A person's brain injury expectations may influence their cognitive performances through mechanisms similar to the nocebo effect [41].…”