ABSTRACT
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a cutting-edge technology widely adopted by researchers and clinicians to alter cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. The most common NIBS techniques are transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation: both are capable of exciting or depressing the neural activities of the targeted cortical areas. NIBS has been recently adopted in hypnosis research with the aim of enhancing hypnotizability. In particular, the few studies available so far have mainly targeted the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex because of its key role in neutral hypnosis. Overall, findings from these studies showed the intriguing possibility of modifying hypnotizability and hypnotic phenomena, but still with scarce effects on the responsiveness to suggestions. Unlike psychological and pharmacological approaches, NIBS allows operator-independent and non-invasive alterations of hypnotic experience, giving researchers the opportunity to adopt a causal approach to explore the brain–behavior relationship that underlies suggestibility. This chapter reviews the NIBS studies published so far in this field: the neurocognitive mechanisms of action are discussed, as well as their possible implications for hypnosis research and practice. Finally, recommendations for future research are outlined with the aim of promoting evidence-based approaches that may promote better outcomes for hypnotherapy.
