ABSTRACT
The hypnotic state is induced only after the participant, client or patient has understood what is about to happen. It is said to be possible that someone could be hypnotised without their knowledge and therefore their consent, but this would be completely unethical and potentially dangerous. The characteristics of the hypnotic state are narrowing of attention, distortion of information processing, suspension of planning, post-hypnotic suggestion, and post-hypnotic amnesia. There are two main theories of hypnosis in mainstream psychology. One, the state theory, suggests that hypnosis is a special state of awareness. The other, non-state theory, takes the view that the hypnotic trance is merely a social role or placebo effect. The degree of hypnosis can be measured using the Stanford hypnotic susceptibility scale, which has twelve levels. Participants are taken through this scale of hypnotised behaviour until they no longer comply with suggestions.
