In a research study about hypnosis, participants were told prior to hypnosis that they could push a button on the desk if they experienced any pain during the procedure (and the researchers would stop). During hypnosis, participants held their hands in ice-water for as long as possible. Several participants claimed to feel no pain, but were pressing the button without any conscious awareness. Which theory of hypnosis can account for this type of result?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dissociation theory suggests that hypnosis involves a splitting of consciousness into two parts, where one part follows the hypnotist's suggestions and another part remains aware of reality. In this study, participants who claimed to feel no pain but pressed the button unconsciously may have been experiencing this split in consciousness, where the part of them following the hypnotist's suggestion to feel no pain was different from the part that was aware of the pain and pressing the button.

In a Research Study About Hypnosis, Participants Were Told Prior