Psychological model of hypnosis: trance state as a result of the process of inhibition of the cerebral cortex when sensor systems are overloaded

Relevance. In modern psychological practice aimed at psychocorrection of psychogenic disorders, it is possible to note the strengthening of the role of techniques using hypnosis. However, there is no single psychological model of hypnosis for the purposes of psychological practice. This article discusses the phenomenology of altered states of consciousness (ASC), trance and hypnosis in various physiological and psychological schools. The author’s view on how the results of various studies of ASC, trance and hypnosis correlate with each other is presented. Based on this, a unified psychological model of hypnosis for psychocorrective purposes is derived, which contributes to a better understanding of the unity of psychophysiological processes and leads to methodological unification.

Intention – To show the unity of psychophysiological processes and phenomena demonstrated by a person in these states as a result of generalization of knowledge about ASC, trance and hypnosis.

Methodology. A theoretical and empirical analysis of ASC, trance and hypnosis has been carried out, which makes it possible to identify the unity of psychophysiological states and psychological phenomena from the point of view of the nature and process of achieving these states. The data of studies of the physiological approach to the nature of hypnosis are compared with later psychological theories of hypnosis and studies of trance and ASC.

Results and Discussion. The article analyzes the nature and phenomena of hypnosis, trance and ASC from a psychological perspective. Theoretical and empirical results are compared. Much attention is paid to the correlation of psychological phenomena with the psychophysiological nature of hypnosis, trance and ASC. The study sheds light on the fact that hypnosis, trance and ASC have the same psychophysiological nature and lead to the same psychological phenomena, despite differences in techniques for achieving them.

Conclusion. It must be recognized that the discrepancies in the terms “hypnosis”, “trance” and “ASC” exist due to insufficient methodological elaboration. Hypnosis, trance and ASC are phenomena of the same order, of a common psychophysiological nature. The methodological generalization will expand the interpretation of the term “hypnosis”, show the breadth of its application and firmly introduce it into the psychocorrective activity of psychologists.

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