What Personality Traits Make Someone Susceptible to Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of consciousness in which an individual experiences deep physical relaxation, cognitive flexibility and an increased openness to suggestions. Although hypnosis has been widely studied, the exact psychological mechanisms behind it remain somewhat elusive. However, research suggests that certain personality traits may make some individuals more susceptible to hypnosis than others. In this article, we will explore some of the personality traits that are associated with increased hypnotic susceptibility.
Openness to Experience
One of the most significant personality traits that is associated with hypnotic susceptibility is openness to new experiences. Individuals who score high in openness tend to be imaginative, curious, and creative. They are open to new ideas, sensations, and experiences. This personality trait is thought to make individuals more receptive to hypnotic suggestions as they are more likely to suspend their disbelief and engage in the hypnotic experience.
Research has shown that individuals who score high in openness to experience are more likely to respond positively to a hypnotic journey. For example, a study conducted by Lynn and Green (2011) found that participants who scored high in openness to new experiences were more likely to report going into an altered state and to respond to hypnotic suggestions.
2. Absorption
Absorption refers to an individual's tendency to become deeply engrossed in their thoughts, visions, emotions, or fantasies. Highly absorbed individuals are able to focus their attention intensely on a particular stimulus, such as a book or a movie, and may lose track of time or their surroundings. This trait is thought to be related to hypnotic susceptibility as individuals who are highly absorbed may be more easily drawn into the hypnotic experience.
Research has shown that individuals who score high in absorption are more likely to respond positively to hypnotic suggestions. For example, a study conducted by Spiegel and colleagues (1993) found that highly absorbed individuals were more likely to respond to hypnotic suggestions for pain relief.
3. Trust and Compliance
Trust and compliance refer to an individual's tendency to trust others and to comply with social norms and expectations. Individuals who score high in trust and compliance may be more likely to comply with the hypnotist's suggestions as they may be more inclined to follow authority figures.
Research has shown that individuals who score high in trust and compliance are more likely to respond positively to hypnotic suggestions. For example, a study conducted by Lynn and colleagues (2000) found that participants who scored high in trust and compliance were more likely to experience hypnotic analgesia (pain relief).
4. Fantasy Proneness
Fantasy proneness refers to an individual's tendency to have vivid and elaborate fantasies. Highly fantasy-prone individuals may spend a lot of time daydreaming or imagining elaborate scenarios. This trait is thought to be related to hypnotic susceptibility as individuals who are highly fantasy-prone may be more likely to engage in the imaginative aspects of the hypnotic experience.
Research has shown that individuals who score high in fantasy proneness are more likely to respond positively to hypnotic suggestions. For example, a study conducted by Lynn and colleagues (1998) found that participants who scored high in fantasy proneness were more likely to experience hypnotic analgesia.
5. Dissociation
Dissociation refers to an individual's tendency to experience a sense of detachment from their thoughts, emotions, or surroundings. Highly dissociative individuals may experience episodes of depersonalization or derealization, in which they feel disconnected from their body or from physical reality. This trait is thought to be related to hypnotic susceptibility as individuals who are highly dissociative (most likely due to trauma), may be more likely to enter into the hypnotic state.
Research has shown that individuals who score high in dissociation are more likely to respond positively to hypnotic suggestions. For example, a study conducted by Spiegel and colleagues (1993) found that highly dissociative individuals were more likely to respond to hypnotic suggestions for pain relief. Additionally, a study conducted by Crawford and colleagues (2013) found that individuals who scored high in dissociation were more likely to experience hypnotic amnesia.
It is important to note that while these personality traits are associated with an increased hypnotic susceptibility, even if a person does not exhibit these traits naturally, with a trained hypnotists and willingness to follow instructions, an experience will occur. Hypnosis is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, including the hypnotist's skill, the individual's ability to focus internally and follow suggestions and the context in which the hypnosis is being conducted.
In conclusion, individuals who are open to experience, highly absorbed, trusting and compliant, fantasy-prone, and dissociative may be more susceptible to hypnosis. However, it is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is a complex phenomenon and that many factors can influence an individual's hypnotic susceptibility. If you are interested in exploring hypnosis as a therapeutic intervention, it is important to work with a trained and experienced hypnotist who can help you navigate the process safely and effectively.
Here is a free process from my IG for you to try. Let me know what your experience was like :)
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