Hockenbury Discovering Psychology 5th txtbk

Meditation163Limits and Applications of HypnosisAlthough the effects of hypnosis can be dramatic, there are limits to the behaviorsthat can be influenced by hypnosis. First, contrary to popular belief, you cannot behypnotized against your will. Second, hypnosis cannot make you perform behaviorsthat are contrary to your morals and values. Thus, you’re very unlikely to commitcriminal or immoral acts under the influence of hypnosis—unless, of course, youfind such actions acceptable (Hilgard, 1986b).Third, hypnosis cannot make you stronger than your physical capabilities orbestow new talents. However, hypnosis can enhance physical skills or athletic ability byincreasing self-confidence and concentration (Barker & Jones, 2006; Morgan, 2002).Table 4.3 provides additional examples of how hypnosis can be used to help people.Can hypnosis be used to help you lose weight, stop smoking, or stop biting yournails? Hypnosis is not a magic bullet. However, research has shown that hypnosiscan be helpful in modifying problematic behaviors, especially when used as part ofa structured treatment program (Bonshtein & others, 2005). For example, whencombined with cognitive-behavioral therapy or other supportive treatments, hypnosishas been shown to help motivated people quit smoking (Green & others, 2006;Elkins & others, 2006; Lynn & Kirsch, 2006). In children and adolescents, hypnosiscan be an effective treatment for such habits as thumb-sucking, nail-biting, andcompulsive hair-pulling (Wester, 2007).MeditationTable 4.3Help Through HypnosisResearch has demonstrated thathypnosis can effectively:• Reduce pain and discomfort associatedwith cancer, rheumatoidarthritis, burn wounds, and otherchronic conditions• Reduce pain and discomfort associatedwith childbirth• Reduce the use of narcotics torelieve postoperative pain• Improve the concentration, motivation,and performance of athletes• Lessen the severity and frequencyof asthma attacks• Eliminate recurring nightmares• Enhance the effectiveness of psycho -therapy in the treatment of obesity,hypertension, and anxiety• Remove warts• Eliminate or reduce stuttering• Suppress the gag reflex duringdental proceduresKey Theme• Meditation involves using one of various techniques to deliberately changeconscious experience, inducing a state of focused attention and awareness.Key Questions• What are two general types of meditation?• What are the effects of meditation?Meditation refers to a group of techniques that induce an altered state of focusedattention and heightened awareness. Meditation takes many forms and has beenused for thousands of years as part of religious practices throughout the world. Virtuallyevery major religion—Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity,and Islam—has a rich tradition of meditative practices (Nelson, 2001). However,many people practice meditation independently of any religious tradition or spiritualcontext. Some forms of psychotherapy also include meditative practice as acomponent of the overall therapy (Epstein, 1995; Segal & others, 2002).meditationAny one of a number of sustained concentrationtechniques that focus attention andheighten awareness.Meditation in Different Cultures Meditationis an important part of many cultures.Tai chi is a form of meditation that involvesa structured series of slow, smoothmovements. During tai chi, you focus onthe present, your movements, and yourbreathing. Sometimes described as “meditationin motion,” tai chi has existed forover 2,000 years. Like this group in Hanoi,Vietnam, many people throughout Asiabegin their day with tai chi, often meetingin parks and other public places.