Skeptics Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [hypnotism]

the study or practice of hypnosis.

29 questions
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Are participants in stage hypnosis part of the show?

Are the volunteers actually part of the performance (i.e. paid or in other ways compensated) to perform like chickens etc., or is it actually possible to hypnotize people in the short space of time that is given?
Chris S
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Can an average person be involuntarily hypnotised?

Often hypnotism is accomplished by convincing an audience member to play along, or by selecting out someone who is suggestible. Can an average person be involuntarily hypnotised? Update: Let us assume that the situation is as follows. A man is…
Casebash
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Can "hypno programming" force someone to kill someone else?

From Convicted RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan seeks prison release: Sirhan "was an involuntary participant in the crimes being committed because he was subjected to sophisticated hypno programming and memory implantation techniques which rendered him…
user792
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Did this hypnotist accidentally leave participants 'in a trance'?

Is this just a lazy publicity stunt (intended or otherwise)? "Hypnotist's Mishap Leaves People In Trance" Via Sky News I'm sceptical of hypnosis, but haven't seen anything definitive either way.
James
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Does hypnosis have a 93% recovery rate after 6 sessions?

This blog seems to be the origin of a quote that has been widely copy-pasted by many hypnotherapists: American Health Magazine reported the following findings from a recent study. • Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions • Behavior…
Ken Y-N
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Is listening to hypnosis tracks dangerous while driving?

I've been listening to hypnosis tracks on spotify recently. Example (warning: Spotify). Almost all of these tracks start with a disclaimer telling you not to listen to the track while driving or operating heavy machinery. Is there any evidence…
dwjohnston
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Can hypnosis make things subjectively disappear?

In his book, The Holographic Universe, Michael Talbot describes how Tom was standing next to his daughter when receiving the hypnotic suggestion that she is no longer visible to him. Then, according to Talbot: Tom could no longer see his daughter,…
Housemeister
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Is "instant" hypnotism possible?

Possible Duplicate: Does an Erikson handshake induction induce a cataleptic trance? Is "instant" hypnotism possible? Derren Brown apparently hypnotises with just a single touch to the neck and eyes. The subject then appears to be able to walk in…
Geoff Mather
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Can hypnotherapy help focus/productivity

I've always been a bit intrigued by hypnotherapy. I'd like to be more productive and more focused. I find in short bursts I can be extremely focused and get a lot done and other times I can find it hard to stop my mind from wandering and waste…
Israfel
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