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[@ChrisWillx] Why Hypnosis Only Works On Certain People - Dr David Spiegel

· 4 min read
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@ChrisWillx - "Why Hypnosis Only Works On Certain People - Dr David Spiegel"

Link: https://youtu.be/C-klOGRNvc0

Short Summary​

Here's a breakdown of the provided YouTube transcript:

  • Number One Action Item/Takeaway: Evaluate a person's hypnotizability before attempting hypnosis and tailor your approach accordingly.

  • Executive Summary: Hypnotizability is a stable trait that varies from person to person. Understanding a person's level of hypnotizability (low, medium, or high) is crucial for effective hypnosis, influencing the techniques used, from cognitive strategies for low hypnotizability to direct suggestions for highly hypnotizable individuals.

Key Quotes​

Okay, here are 4 quotes extracted from the YouTube video transcript, focusing on valuable insights and interesting points:

  1. "By the time people get to 21 or so, they've settled into a very stable degree of hypnotizability from low to medium to high... The test retest correlation was .7. Now that's as high as IQ in a 25-year interval. It does not change much." - This highlights the relative stability of hypnotizability as a trait.

  2. "I think your problem is that that you make everything a problem. You worry about everything, including whether you're right or left-handed... The problem is the signal is weak, but your elaboration of the signal is high. So just think about other things than that." - This quote encapsulates the approach taken with low-hypnotizability individuals, focusing on cognitive strategies and addressing over-analysis.

  3. "With hypnosis, the worst thing you can tell someone is don't think about purple elephants. You know, what are you going to think about? So, instead, you find a strategy that's appealing that they can affiliate with and feel good about from the moment they do it." - This presents a fundamental principle of hypnotic suggestion, emphasizing positive framing and focusing on desired outcomes rather than suppression of unwanted thoughts.

  4. "Does your left do you feel more control over one hand than the other? And if they're hypnotizable, they tend to feel more control in the non uh hypnotized hand." - This describes the assessment for hypnotizability.

Detailed Summary​

Here's a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript, focusing on the key points and arguments:

  • Hypnotizability as a Stable Trait:

    • Hypnotizability is a relatively stable trait in individuals, similar to IQ.
    • It's largely established by the time individuals reach their early twenties.
    • A study by Phil Zimbardo showed a high test-retest correlation (.7) of hypnotizability over a 25-year period.

  • Range of Hypnotizability:

    • Individuals fall along a spectrum of hypnotizability, from low to medium to high.
    • Some individuals are essentially "non-responders" and cannot be hypnotized regardless of the hypnotist's skill.

  • Assessment of Hypnotizability:

    • The speaker uses a five-minute evaluation to assess a person's level of hypnotizability.
    • The assessment involves a standard hypnotic induction, focusing on:
      • Hand levitation (eyes closed, deep breath, hand floats up).
      • Sense of dissociation (difference in feeling between the two hands).
      • Response to a challenge (pulling the hand down and seeing if it floats back up).
      • Sense of involuntariness (feeling more control over one hand than the other).
      • Response to a cutoff signal (touching the elbow).
      • Sensation of floating lightness or buoyancy.
    • Each aspect is rated, resulting in a 10-point score.

  • Correlation with Personality/Cognitive Style:

    • People who are highly organized and desire control tend to be less hypnotizable.
    • More "artsy" or creative people may be more prone to being highly hypnotizable.
    • However, the speaker notes that one can be wrong in their assumptions.

  • Tailoring Hypnotic Approaches:

    • Hypnotic techniques need to be tailored to the individual's level of hypnotizability.
    • High hypnotizability: Direct suggestions and dramatic interventions are often effective.
      • Example: Woman with esophageal fistula experiencing immediate pain relief.
    • Mid-range hypnotizability: Requires more negotiation, experimentation, and evaluation.
      • Example: Pianist with pain who benefited from "air piano" practice under hypnosis.
    • Low hypnotizability: Cognitive approaches (similar to CBT or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) are more suitable.
      • Focus on reframing the experience, acceptance, and distraction.
      • Example: Patient with back and knee pain, who was told that they are likely overreacting due to anxiety.
    • For non-responders, focusing on what they are for, not what they are against is a good strategy.

  • Key Concepts:

    • Dissociation
    • Involuntariness