Question

A friend tells you, "I once heard of a person who was murdered by being hypnotized and then told to jump from the Golden Gate Bridge!" Could such a thing have happened? Why or why not?

Short answer

No, the statement is false. A person can't be hypnotized into performing life-threatening actions against their will. Hypnosis can't force someone to act beyond their moral and ethical boundaries.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of heightened focus and suggestibility. It's commonly used in therapy to help people relax, concentrate, or remember forgotten experiences. While hypnotized, individuals are alert and in control; they're not unconscious and cannot be forced to do anything against their will.

Hypnosis and Human Will

It's important to understand that being hypnotized doesn't mean one surrenders their will to the hypnotist. Individuals under hypnosis maintain their own personality and moral judgments. The hypnotist could suggest, but not enforce, certain behaviors. If a hypnotist suggests something that's against the person's ethical or moral standards, the person will likely ignore the suggestion.

Hypnosis and Life-Threatening Actions

The idea of hypnosis causing harmful or life-threatening behavior is largely a myth. People under hypnosis cannot be made to perform actions that they would normally find objectionable or unreasonable. Jumping off a bridge, especially one as high as the Golden Gate Bridge, is a life-threatening action that most people wouldn't willingly do. Thus, being hypnotized wouldn't make them take this action against their better judgment.

Key concepts

Suggestibility and Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a fascinating state where a person remains very focused and open to suggestions. This is called suggestibility. It means that in hypnosis, people might be more willing to accept or think about certain ideas the hypnotist suggests. However, it's crucial to note that this doesn't equate to mind control or loss of free will. A person in a hypnotic state is not asleep or unconscious but instead quite aware and can choose how they respond to suggestions.

They may take on certain suggestions that align with their values or priorities during therapy. For example, someone might find it easier to quit smoking if that suggestion aligns with their desire to live a healthier life. Despite their openness to suggestions, they will not follow through with actions that fundamentally clash with their beliefs or judgments.

Ethical Standards in Hypnosis

In any practice involving hypnosis, ethical standards play a vital role. These ethical guidelines ensure the well-being and safety of the person being hypnotized. Hypnotherapists must adhere to these standards, which include obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and fostering a safe environment.

Hypnosis should always be used responsibly and by qualified professionals, as it's important to respect the individual's boundaries and autonomy. The hypnotherapist should never impose suggestions that violate an individual's ethical beliefs. If a suggestion is given that goes against their moral or ethical boundaries, the individual is likely capable of resisting it. This maintains a sense of personal integrity and safety within the process.

It is ethically unacceptable to use hypnosis to make someone do something harmful or against their will.

Moral Judgments and Hypnosis

One’s sense of right and wrong, known as moral judgments, remains intact even under hypnosis. While a hypnotized person might seem more open to suggestions, they won't accept proposals that conflict against their moral compass.

Just like when we’re awake, we rely on our moral judgments to filter through different choices, and that doesn't change in hypnosis. For example, if jumping off a bridge is something one morally object to in a normal state, hypnosis will not alter such deep-seated beliefs or decisions. Essentially, hypnosis might nudge you to open up to constructive life changes but won't make you act against your core values.

Therapeutic Use of Hypnosis

Hypnosis is often used therapeutically because it can help individuals tap into their subconscious minds. This can aid in healing, relaxing, and addressing unwanted behaviors. The therapeutic use of hypnosis is varied; it helps in managing pain, reducing stress, overcoming addictions, and enhancing memory.

During therapeutic hypnosis, individuals are guided in a way that promotes positive change in their lives, adhering to their personal goals and ethical standards. It provides a platform where they can reflect on deeper issues sighting therapeutic insight and solutions without bypassing their ethical boundaries.

When used correctly, hypnosis is a powerful tool for personal development and mental well-being, always implemented with respect for the individual's autonomy and ethical considerations.