Hypnosis is not really a unique or special approach to managing pain.” Support this statement by explaining how hypnosis incorporates other behavioral or cognitive techniques for pain management that may seem less “special” or “mysterious,” and how hypnosis may reflect placebo and expectancy effects.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Hypnosis can be effective in controlling pain, including the pain associated with dental work, childbirth, lower back aches, burns, headaches, arthritis pain, and breast cancer. Hypnosis, though, may not really represent a unique approach to pain relief. Hypnosis may relieve pain simply because people believe it will--the placebo effect--or because they want to please the practitioner. Research (e.g., Miller, Barabasz, & Barabasz, 1991) shows that people highly susceptible to hypnosis may experience substantial pain relief, whereas those who are low in hypnotizability often show no relief. Hypnosis may decrease pain simply by distracting patients and helping them relax, thereby reducing their awareness of pain. Finally, other research (e.g., Edelson & Fitzpatrick, 1989) suggests that while hypnosis may reduce pain, it is no more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy.