Posthypnotic suggestion

Posthypnotic suggestion is a command or instruction given to a person while they are in a state of hypnosis, which they carry out after they have returned to a normal state of consciousness. The individual does not consciously remember the suggestion, but their subconscious mind has received and stored the information.

History

The concept of posthypnotic suggestion dates back to the early days of hypnosis as a scientific discipline, with pioneers such as James Braid and Jean-Martin Charcot exploring its potential uses.

Mechanism

The exact mechanism of posthypnotic suggestion is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the subconscious mind. During hypnosis, the conscious mind is bypassed, allowing direct communication with the subconscious. This allows the hypnotist to plant suggestions that can influence the individual's behavior after they have returned to a normal state of consciousness.

Applications

Posthypnotic suggestions have been used in a variety of fields, including psychology, medicine, and entertainment. In psychology, they can be used to help individuals change unwanted behaviors or cope with stress and anxiety. In medicine, they have been used to help patients manage pain or overcome phobias. In entertainment, they are often used in stage hypnosis shows to make participants perform unusual or humorous actions.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite its widespread use, posthypnotic suggestion has been the subject of criticism and controversy. Some critics argue that it is unethical to influence a person's behavior without their conscious knowledge or consent. Others question the reliability of posthypnotic suggestions, noting that they can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the individual's expectations and the skill of the hypnotist.

See Also

• Hypnosis
• Subconscious mind
• James Braid
• Jean-Martin Charcot