A comedian, a professor, and two other professors dive into the science of hypnosis. They explore bizarre behaviors under hypnosis, the determinants of hypnotizability, and a case study of self-perception during hypnosis. They discuss the power of hypnosis and the placebo effect, the role of expectation and placebo in hypnosis, and the effects of hypnosis on the brain and perception.
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Quick takeaways
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention where people are more likely to follow suggestions, but it is not fully explained by placebo or mind control.
Hypnotizability falls along a spectrum, with about 10 to 15 percent of people being highly hypnotizable, and determining hypnotizability requires specific tests and rankings.
Deep dives
What is hypnosis and how does it work?
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention where the rest of the world fades away and all you can hear is the hypnotist's voice. Various techniques can induce hypnosis, like rolling your eyes up or listening to rhythmic sounds. While the specific mechanisms are not entirely understood, hypnosis seems to involve absorption, dissociation, and enhanced suggestibility. It is not mind control, but rather a state in which people are more likely to follow suggestions. The brain activity during hypnosis is still a mystery, but studies have shown similarities between hypnotized brains and brains experiencing related phenomena, such as hysteria paralysis. Overall, hypnosis is a real phenomenon, but it is not fully explained by placebo or mind control.
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Hypnotizability falls along a spectrum, with about 10 to 15 percent of people being highly hypnotizable. Factors like genetics may contribute to hypnotizability, but it is not determined by appearance or personality traits. Identical twins do not always show a strong genetic link, and it is difficult to predict who is highly hypnotizable based on external factors. Determining hypnotizability requires specific tests and rankings. So while not everyone can be hypnotized, most people likely fall somewhere on the hypnotizability spectrum.
What happens in the brain during hypnosis?
Research into the brain activity during hypnosis is ongoing, but some studies suggest that certain areas, like the anterior cingulate cortex, show similar patterns in hypnotized brains and brains experiencing the real thing. However, the interpretation of brain studies can be challenging, and more research is needed to fully understand the neural mechanisms of hypnosis. It is important to note that hypnosis does not involve the complete loss of control, and people can usually snap out of it if they want to.
What can hypnosis make people do?
While hypnosis can lead to susceptibility to suggestions, there are limits to what people will do under hypnosis. Stage hypnosis shows and covert programs have explored the boundaries, but people typically won't do things that are against their values or boundaries, even when hypnotized. Hypnotized individuals may exhibit behaviors they wouldn't normally, but their actions are still within the realm of what they're comfortable with. The extent of hypnosis's efficacy in areas like quitting smoking or pain management is still uncertain due to limited and varied research. More rigorous studies are needed to determine the true potential of hypnosis.
This week, we explore the science of hypnosis, and take Science Vs to the edge of consciousness. In the service of journalism, Wendy tries to get hypnotized at a comedy club and in a doctor’s office. We talk to comedian Jim Spinnato, Prof. Philip Muskin, Prof. Amanda Barnier, and Prof. Amir Raz.
Credits:
This episode has been produced by Heather Rogers, Wendy Zukerman, Caitlin Kenney, Austin Mitchell, Dr. Diane Wu, and Shruti Ravindran. Our senior producer is Kaitlyn Sawrey.
Edited by Annie-Rose Strasser. Fact Checking by Michelle Harris.
Sound design and music production by Matthew Boll, mixed by Martin Peralta. Music written by Martin Peralta and Bobby Lord.
Thanks to Alex Blumberg for being the man that spoke pretty often in the end… and Jonathan Goldstein for being our CIA agent… and if you like his CIA agent you’ll love his new show Heavyweight. It’s out next week and you can subscribe now.