I'm trying to hold this to a higher scientific standard than most of my posts by referencing and providing reliability information. We will see how it turns out.
One of the biggest questions on everyone's mind when they first encounter hypnosis (assuming they aren't revolted, etc.) is "How will this effect me?" And of course, if you were to ask this question out of the blue, everyone who has tried it would respond "it is different for everyone." That is the truth, it is different. But there are a few ways to make educated guesses at what effects a new user can expect. Previously on this blog I've talked about models, namely mental models, and this is another one.
There is a theory called Representational Systems which attempts to model cognition. Specifically, I will be using the Preferred Representation Theory, and ignoring the majority of the rest of the page, which I have not personally tested. It is related to functionalism, as well. PRT seems to be heavily disfavored for response to external stimuli, but as regards to imagination it has not been adequately tested. I'm sorry to be using what could yet become pseudo-science, but it has fits what data I've collected thus far (an admittedly small sample size of 6).
Here is my summary of the idea. Every human has three functions by which they utilize imagination. The first is visual, the second auditory, the third kinesthetic. (I ignore olfactory because I've never seen a case of pure olfactory imagination). Everyone has a bit of each, and your skill in one type of imagination grows as you use it. Some people will have very well developed skills in an area before they start hypnosis, others will not. Some will have one function as much more powerful than another, others will have similar skill among two or all.
Once you know your skill in each, you will be better able to guess at the effects of a hypnosis file, which is processed primarily through sub-conscious imagination, much like dreams. Next up will be tests for how much skill you have in each and what that means as far as effects.
I'll admit here, I have almost no kinesthetic imagination, so I'm going to be asking for help with that post.
Why do you discount other senses? Or, do you simply consider them part of kinesthetic? A quick google search revealed reports of olfactory and gustatory hallucinations.
ReplyDeleteThe other senses exist, and delusions for them too, but they are less important to the human mind simply because the sense associated is less powerful. 'Less Powerful' here meaning that the mind does not attach as many memories and thus thought patterns to those senses. They are indeed separate from kinesthetic, and require separate training to fool. I don't discount the possibility of someone who process through the olfactory, but if such people do exist then I've yet to talk to one, so I will leave their topic to those more knowledgeable.
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