This dissertation presents a constructivist discussion of the experiences of the author in doing hypnosis. It explores the practice of hypnosis as a progression of behavioral changes by the hypnotis in facilitating the initiation, expansion and coherence of the hypnotic domain. These changes include punctuating and redefining everyday experiences and environmental events as hypnotic, and engaging participants in discussions based on the hypnotic logic. Hypnosis is defined as social and cognitive domain that is specified in language, and maintained by the embodied descriptions of participants. It is described how the hypnotic system evolves in terms of complexity, distinctness and functional integrity, and how this reflects the structurally determined fit between its members. In this system the hypnotist facilitates the development of the hypnotic description as a viable domain of existence that is experienced as real and all-inclusive. In conclusion some constructivist ideas for research, treatment and training are presented before constructivist thinking is used to contextualize the dissertation itself. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Twenty seven of forty one learners at a remedial school were identified as having negative self-esteem. The learners self-esteem correlated with their barriers to learning. Hypnosis was considered as a possible technique to build positive self-esteem in these learners. The study used hypnotherapy on two learners who were identified as having negative self-esteem. The identification was based on the results of a selfconcept inventory. After a few sessions of hypnotherapy, the test was readministered. The results before and after indicate a positive change in the self-concept scores. This will have to be researched further,but there are significant indications that hypnotherapy may be one of the ways of building positive self-esteem in learners. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Cognitive therapy for the treatment of depression has generated substantial research indicating its effectiveness and it is currently considered among the most viable conceptualizations of depression. However, it has remained controversial because its methods do not directly address emotional symptoms in depressed persons. Treatment of depressed emotions is a primary focus of hypnotic mood elevating techniques. These techniques enable depressed persons to experience positive emotions during hypnosis sessions and to re-experience them daily concurrent with performance of certain specified behaviors. This study evaluated the efficacy of a multicomponent treatment which combines the techniques of cognitive therapy and hypnotic mood elevation in the treatment of depressed persons. The three treatment conditions constructed for this investigation were cognitive therapy plus hypnotic mood elevation, cognitive therapy plus pseudo-biofeedback, and no treatment waiting list.

The present study tested the hypothesis that contiguity, regarding time of administration of the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS), differentially influences hypnotic susceptibility. Forty-eight subjects were administered the TAS immediately prior to assessment of hypnotic susceptibility versus 43 subjects who received the TAS one to three days before assessment of hypnotic susceptibility. Absorption, when measured in the temporally versus nontemporally contiguous context did not appear to affect hypnotic susceptibility. Absorption did, however, correlate significantly with hypnotic susceptibility in the temporally contiguous group as compared to a non-significant correlation in the nontemporally contiguous group. This finding suggests is a relationship between differential administration of the TAS with regard to time of administration and hypnotic susceptibility.

Orientador: Luiz Roberto Monzani / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campoinas, Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Huimanas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-11T21:21:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Scandelari_Bianca_D.pdf: 1380098 bytes, checksum: c4690aa5d1410cac883683f6b0363aa7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: O objetivo principal é o de expor, em função de uma leitura particular do período inicial da obra de Freud, de que forma se estabeleceu o campo em que foi assentada uma definição do psiquismo, segundo a psicanálise incipiente. Destacaremos as condições responsáveis por reconsiderações de importantes noções e do método de tratamento particular que permaneceria sendo desenvolvido ao longo da obra. Em caráter de apoio, e em divergência do que poderíamos chamar de nascimento da psicanálise bem como o ineditismo que é atribuído aos seus conceitos principais, propomos identificar o movimento de construção interna dos conceitos. Esta proposta será sustentada na exposição do movimento de articulação que Freud engendrou ao tema do psiquismo, de 1886 a 1894, que não apareceu tão bem definido como passou a ser em textos posteriores, mas em cuja articulação de questões foi possível acompanhar gradualmente a possibilidade de um 'modo de funcionamento psíquico' para a neurose. Neste intuito, foi delineada a transição da explicação que privilegia uma característica predominantemente fisiológica de funcionamento automático ao qual acrescentou, aos poucos, uma modificação funcional de dinâmica psíquica, mas sem desconsiderar a primeira. Este foi o caso da lógica estabelecida pelo mecanismo psíquico da "contravontade" (1892) que teria contribuído justamente pelo deslocamento que proporcionou ao foco do tratamento, o qual posteriormente se desenvolveu numa 'relação de simbolização' mediante 'conflito'. A reformulação do aspecto funcional da histeria colocado em destaque proporcionou, desde este ponto de vista, a série de construções que prestariam sustentação às noções de base para os posteriores conceitos de resistência, transferência e a elaboração da associação livre. Concluímos que justamente esse funcionamento particular e resistente, obtido nos hiatos oriundos das questões relativas à cura e eliminação do sintoma, seria um dos traços responsáveis pela autenticidade da teoria de Freud e especificidade da psicanálise. Esse movimento se deu como uma transformação incessante que Freud nunca deixou de promover às noções existentes no campo da pesquisa médica que frequentava / Abstract: The main objective is to expose, from a particular reading of the initial period of Freud's work, how did the field, in which sits a definition of the psyche established, accordingly to incipient psychoanalysis. The conditions responsible for reconsiderations of important notions will be highlighted, as will the particular treatment method that would be developed during the work. It will be deepened the internal discussion about what we might call the birth of psychoanalysis, and the uniqueness that is often attributed to its main concepts. This proposition is supported on the exhibition of the motion of particular articulation that Freud engenders in the theme of the psyche, from 1886 to 1894, in which the subject does not appear so well defined as it would in later texts, but in whose articulation of issues stood out the possibility of a 'psychic functioning mode' for neurosis. With this objective, it was outlined the transition of the explanatory mode that favors a predominantly physiological automatic characteristic to which it gradually added a functional modification of psychic dynamics, but without neglecting the former. This would be the case of logic established by the psychic mechanism of "counter-will" (1892) that would have contributed exactly by the shift that it provided to the focus of treatment, which subsequently developed into a 'relationship of symbolization' by 'conflict'. The reformulation of the functional aspect of hysteria, from this point of view, brought the number of constructions that would provide support to the basis notions for later concepts of resistance, transference and the development of free association. It is concluded that this particular and resilient operation, obtained in the gaps from the issues of healing and symptoms elimination, would have given authenticity to Freud's theory and specificity to his psychoanalysis, through constant transformation that Freud never stopped to promote to existing concepts in the field of medical research in which he attended / Doutorado / Filosofia / Doutora em Filosofia

Doctor of Philosophy / Nineteenth century philosophy and anatomy regarded the nervous system as the only pathway of communication between the brain and body but now, research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) has provided evidence to prove the age-old belief that there is a connection between the mind (or mental/emotional states) and the body. Researchers in PNI have now shown that the communication between the nervous and immune systems is bi-directional – i.e. there is a psychological reaction to physical disease and a somatic presentation of psychological disorders - and that the immune system, the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system and the neuropeptide systems all communicate with each other by means of chemicals called messenger molecules or ligands. This paper outlines research into the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with hypnotherapy, taking into account the mind-body connection and treating both the patient’s physiological and emotional/psychological symptoms rather than treating the physiological symptoms only. In other words, using a more holistic approach to the treatment of IBS. IBS is probably the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder encountered by both gastroenterologists and physicians in primary care. It is estimated that from 10% to 25% of the general population suffer from this condition and that it comprises about 30-50% of the gastroenterologists’ workload, yet the aetiology of IBS is unknown and, so far, there is no cure. Researchers are beginning to view IBS as a multi-faceted disorder in which there appears to be a disturbance in the interaction between the intestines, brain, and autonomic nervous system, resulting in an alteration in the regulation of bowel motility and/or sensory function. Most researchers agree that a subset of IBS sufferers have a visceral hypersensitivity of the gut or, more specifically, an increased perception of sensations in the gut. To date, studies of IBS have proposed previous gastroenteritis, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, psychosocial factors, a genetic contribution, and an imbalance of neurotransmitters as either possible causes or playing a part in the development of IBS. It is generally agreed that a patient’s emotional response to stress can exacerbate the condition. In section 1 of the thesis, the introduction, a detailed description and background appropriate to the study undertaken are provided, including aspects of epidemiology, diagnostic symptom criteria and clinical relevance of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Previous studies of various forms of treatment for IBS are discussed with the main emphasis being on treatment with hypnotherapy. All these therapies have concentrated on either mind or body treatments whereas this study demonstrates how hypnotherapy, and the use of imagery, addresses both mind and body. Finally, the rationale for the current study and the specific aims of the thesis are outlined. In section 2, the methodology and assessment instruments used in the clinical trial are discussed, as well as recruitment processes, research plan and timetable, and treatment schedule. Statistical analyses are provided and the main outcomes measures of the clinical trial, its limitations and scientific implications are addressed.

This thesis investigated the management of conflict between reality and suggestion during hypnosis. The eight experiments conducted for this thesis investigated the social, motivational, and cognitive factors that mediate participants? response to conflict during a negative visual hallucination. Chapter 1 reviews the relevant literature and presents the rationale for the program of research. Chapter 2 presents Experiments 1 and 2, which explored hypnotic participants? capacity to manage conflict under different conditions. The findings indicated that cognitive and behavioural strategies that allow participants to avoid conflict are useful, but not essential, in managing hypnotic conflict. Chapter 3 presents Experiment 3, which developed a paradigm that allowed conflict to be manipulated in a way that minimised response cues. The findings indicated that gradually and unobtrusively modifying a stimulus influenced participants? responses even though participants did not indicate any knowledge that the stimulus was manipulated. Chapter 4 presents Experiment 4, which investigated the relevance of hypnotisability and hypnosis to conflict management. The findings indicated that hypnosis provides a context in which hypnotisable participants are able to maintain their belief despite demanding levels of conflict. Chapter 5 presents Experiments 5 and 6, which focused on the role of social demands in participants? response to hypnotic conflict. The findings indicated that demand characteristics shape participants? interpretation of the appropriate response to conflict during an hypnotic suggestion. Chapter 6 presents Experiments 7 and 8, which addressed the relevance of cognitive processes to hypnotic conflict management. The findings indicated that participants used cognitive strategies to manage conflict that were appropriate to the suggestion, degree of conflict, and their individual abilities. Overall, the findings indicated that hypnotic participants? management of conflict involves motivated, strategic responding so as to maintain a belief that events are as communicated by the hypnotist. These issues are discussed within a theoretical perspective that is presented in Chapter 7. This perspective emphasises the hypnotisability of participants, the role of hypnotic induction, participants? interpretation of the desired response, the belief that participants develop in the reality of the suggested events, and the readiness of participants to employ conflict management strategies that produce the appropriate outcome.

Doctor of Philosophy / Nineteenth century philosophy and anatomy regarded the nervous system as the only pathway of communication between the brain and body but now, research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) has provided evidence to prove the age-old belief that there is a connection between the mind (or mental/emotional states) and the body. Researchers in PNI have now shown that the communication between the nervous and immune systems is bi-directional – i.e. there is a psychological reaction to physical disease and a somatic presentation of psychological disorders - and that the immune system, the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system and the neuropeptide systems all communicate with each other by means of chemicals called messenger molecules or ligands. This paper outlines research into the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with hypnotherapy, taking into account the mind-body connection and treating both the patient’s physiological and emotional/psychological symptoms rather than treating the physiological symptoms only. In other words, using a more holistic approach to the treatment of IBS. IBS is probably the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder encountered by both gastroenterologists and physicians in primary care. It is estimated that from 10% to 25% of the general population suffer from this condition and that it comprises about 30-50% of the gastroenterologists’ workload, yet the aetiology of IBS is unknown and, so far, there is no cure. Researchers are beginning to view IBS as a multi-faceted disorder in which there appears to be a disturbance in the interaction between the intestines, brain, and autonomic nervous system, resulting in an alteration in the regulation of bowel motility and/or sensory function. Most researchers agree that a subset of IBS sufferers have a visceral hypersensitivity of the gut or, more specifically, an increased perception of sensations in the gut. To date, studies of IBS have proposed previous gastroenteritis, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, psychosocial factors, a genetic contribution, and an imbalance of neurotransmitters as either possible causes or playing a part in the development of IBS. It is generally agreed that a patient’s emotional response to stress can exacerbate the condition. In section 1 of the thesis, the introduction, a detailed description and background appropriate to the study undertaken are provided, including aspects of epidemiology, diagnostic symptom criteria and clinical relevance of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Previous studies of various forms of treatment for IBS are discussed with the main emphasis being on treatment with hypnotherapy. All these therapies have concentrated on either mind or body treatments whereas this study demonstrates how hypnotherapy, and the use of imagery, addresses both mind and body. Finally, the rationale for the current study and the specific aims of the thesis are outlined. In section 2, the methodology and assessment instruments used in the clinical trial are discussed, as well as recruitment processes, research plan and timetable, and treatment schedule. Statistical analyses are provided and the main outcomes measures of the clinical trial, its limitations and scientific implications are addressed.

This dissertation presents a constructivist discussion of the experiences of the author in doing hypnosis. It explores the practice of hypnosis as a progression of behavioral changes by the hypnotis in facilitating the initiation, expansion and coherence of the hypnotic domain. These changes include punctuating and redefining everyday experiences and environmental events as hypnotic, and engaging participants in discussions based on the hypnotic logic. Hypnosis is defined as social and cognitive domain that is specified in language, and maintained by the embodied descriptions of participants. It is described how the hypnotic system evolves in terms of complexity, distinctness and functional integrity, and how this reflects the structurally determined fit between its members. In this system the hypnotist facilitates the development of the hypnotic description as a viable domain of existence that is experienced as real and all-inclusive. In conclusion some constructivist ideas for research, treatment and training are presented before constructivist thinking is used to contextualize the dissertation itself. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Twenty seven of forty one learners at a remedial school were identified as having negative self-esteem. The learners self-esteem correlated with their barriers to learning. Hypnosis was considered as a possible technique to build positive self-esteem in these learners. The study used hypnotherapy on two learners who were identified as having negative self-esteem. The identification was based on the results of a selfconcept inventory. After a few sessions of hypnotherapy, the test was readministered. The results before and after indicate a positive change in the self-concept scores. This will have to be researched further,but there are significant indications that hypnotherapy may be one of the ways of building positive self-esteem in learners. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)