Overview of My Theory of Hypnosis

by Alfred A. Barrios, PhD

The following is an excerpt from Dr. Barrios' book, Understanding Hypnosis: Theory, Scope and Potential.

In the theory (Barrios, 2001) a hypnotic induction is defined as the giving of a series of suggestions so that a positive response to a previous suggestion predisposes the subject to respond more strongly to the next suggestion. Hypnosis is defined then as the state of heightened suggestibility, also referred to as a state of heightened belief, produced by a hypnotic induction. What occurs during a hypnotic induction to increase suggestibility is a process of conditioning of an inhibitory set. The latter increases responsiveness to suggestion by inhibiting thoughts and stimuli which would contradict the suggested response. The more effective the hypnotic induction, the greater this inhibitory set.

It is postulated that at any point in time there are any number of stimuli (both cogni¬tive and sensory) that one can be responsive to, some more strongly than others. This is referred to as the stimulus dominance hierarchy. The various hypnotic and post-hypnotic phenomena can be explained in terms of how the inhibitory set can rearrange the domi¬nant position of a particular stimulus (cognitive or sensory) focused on by the suggestion. Post-hypnotic behavior changes are explained as produced through a process of higher order conditioning where the inhibitory set facilitates such conditioning by suppressing any dominant stimuli present (cognitive or sensory) that would interfere with the intended conditioning.

From the theory, a number of ways can be deduced for increasing responsiveness to suggestion and thereby increasing the effectiveness of hypnotic induction. These include: the amplification of minute responses to suggestion such as with the use of biofeedback devices; the minimization or inhibition of competing stimuli such as in sensory depriva¬tion or under the influence of inhibitory drugs; and the subtle introduction of stimuli that would naturally evoke the suggested response.

Since the theory defines hypnosis as a state of heightened belief, one can see that hypnosis can be a natural everyday occurrence. Salesmen, lawyers and politicians are constantly benefiting from a variation of hypnosis (the powers of persuasion). So too are doctors (the power of the placebo) and ministers (the power of faith).

Barrios AA (2001) A theory of hypnosis based on principles of conditioning and inhibition. Contemporary Hypnosis 18: 163-203.