Induction Techniques & Methods Flashcards

In the Elman Induction, what is the primary purpose of the eye catalepsy test?

Answer: To deepen trance by challenging the subject to open their eyes

The eye catalepsy test in Elman's method deepens trance by having the subject try and fail to open their eyes, reinforcing the hypnotic state.

Which induction technique relies on the hypnotist issuing rapid, unexpected commands such as 'Sleep!' while catching the subject off guard?

Answer: Shock/instant induction

Shock or instant inductions exploit the startle response and the critical faculty's brief suspension to bypass resistance and quickly induce trance.

When using the handshake interrupt technique, what neurological phenomenon does the hypnotist exploit?

Answer: A pattern interrupt that momentarily suspends the conscious mind

The handshake interrupt breaks an automated social script, creating a brief moment of mental confusion that allows rapid induction.

What distinguishes a 'waking hypnosis' induction from a traditional sleep-based induction?

Answer: The subject enters a hypnotic state while remaining alert and active, without eye closure

Waking hypnosis achieves a trance state without directing the subject to close their eyes or appear asleep, making it useful in conversational or covert contexts.

In the arm levitation induction, the hypnotist uses ideomotor suggestion to cause the arm to rise. What is 'ideomotor response'?

Answer: Involuntary muscle movement triggered by mental imagery or suggestion

Ideomotor response refers to small, unconscious muscle movements that occur in response to thoughts or suggestions rather than deliberate volition.

A hypnotist asks a subject to imagine walking down a staircase with each step deepening relaxation. This is an example of which type of technique?

Answer: Visualization deepener used as an induction

Using a guided visualization (staircase, elevator, path) as the primary induction method is a common imagery-based approach that combines deepening and induction.

Why might a hypnotist choose a non-sleep-language induction (e.g., 'focused awareness' instead of 'sleep') with a first-time subject?

Answer: To avoid triggering resistance or misconceptions about hypnosis involving unconsciousness

Some subjects fear losing control or consciousness, so using neutral language like 'focused awareness' or 'relaxed alertness' reduces resistance and misconceptions.