Editing Hypnosis (section)

== Induction ==
{{Main|Hypnotic induction}}
Hypnosis is normally preceded by a "hypnotic induction" technique. Traditionally, this was interpreted as a method of putting the subject into a "hypnotic trance"; however, subsequent "nonstate" theorists have viewed it differently, seeing it as a means of heightening client expectation, defining their role, focusing attention, etc. The induction techniques and methods are dependent on the depth of hypnotic trance level and for each stage of trance, the number of which in some sources ranges from 30 stages to 50 stages, there are different types of inductions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Irawan |first1=Chandra |title=Combination of Hypnosis Therapy and Range of Motion Exercise on Upper-Extremity Muscle Strength in Patients With Non-Hemorraghic[sic] Stroke |url=https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-depth-of-hypnosis-influence-with-scores-and-objective-symptoms-based-on-The-Davis_tbl1_331217313 |website=researchgate.net |access-date=4 May 2022 |archive-date=4 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504091654/https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-depth-of-hypnosis-influence-with-scores-and-objective-symptoms-based-on-The-Davis_tbl1_331217313 |url-status=live }}</ref> There are several different induction techniques. One of the most influential methods was Braid's "eye-fixation" technique, also known as "Braidism". Many variations of the eye-fixation approach exist, including the induction used in the [[Hypnotic susceptibility|Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale]] (SHSS), the most widely used research tool in the field of hypnotism.<ref name="Weitzenhoffer">{{cite book |last= Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard |title= Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scales, Forms A & B. |year= 1959 |publisher= Consulting Psychologists Press |location= Palo Alto, CA}}</ref> Braid's original description of his induction is as follows:{{blockquote|Take any bright object (e.g. a lancet case) between the thumb and fore and middle fingers of the left hand; hold it from about eight to fifteen inches from the eyes, at such position above the forehead as may be necessary to produce the greatest possible strain upon the eyes and eyelids, and enable the patient to maintain a steady fixed stare at the object.<br /><br />The patient must be made to understand that he is to keep the eyes steadily fixed on the object, and the mind riveted on the idea of that one object. It will be observed, that owing to the consensual adjustment of the eyes, the pupils will be at first contracted: They will shortly begin to dilate, and, after they have done so to a considerable extent, and have assumed a wavy motion, if the fore and middle fingers of the right hand, extended and a little separated, are carried from the object toward the eyes, most probably the eyelids will close involuntarily, with a vibratory motion. If this is not the case, or the patient allows the eyeballs to move, desire him to begin anew, giving him to understand that he is to allow the eyelids to close when the fingers are again carried towards the eyes, but that the eyeballs must be kept fixed, in the same position, and the mind riveted to the one idea of the object held above the eyes. In general, it will be found, that the eyelids close with a vibratory motion, or become spasmodically closed.<ref>Braid (1843), p. 27.</ref>}}
Braid later acknowledged that the hypnotic induction technique was not necessary in every case, and subsequent researchers have generally found that on average it contributes less than previously expected to the effect of hypnotic suggestions.<ref name="Barber, Spanos 1974">[https://books.google.com/books?id=fCRsAAAAMAAJ Barber, TX, Spanos, NP. & Chaves, JF., ''Hypnosis, imagination, and human potentialities''. Pergamon Press, 1974.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702163311/https://books.google.com/books?id=fCRsAAAAMAAJ |date=2 July 2023 }} {{ISBN|0-08-017931-2}}.</ref> Variations and alternatives to the original hypnotic induction techniques were subsequently developed. However, this method is still considered authoritative.{{Citation needed|date=July 2016}} In 1941, Robert White wrote: "It can be safely stated that nine out of ten hypnotic techniques call for reclining posture, muscular relaxation, and optical fixation followed by eye closure."<ref>{{cite journal|year=1941|title=A preface to the theory of hypnotism|journal=Journal of Abnormal & Social Psychology|volume=36|issue=4|pages=477–505 (498)|doi=10.1037/h0053844|author=White, Robert W.}}</ref>