Facilitating effect of the hypnotically altered state of consciousness on decision-making in a situation modeling real-life
Z. Kovács, S. László, A. Albert, Zoltán Janka, István Szendi
European Psychiatry April 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.1713 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 48 |
| Population | Healthy students from the University of Szeged (28 females, 20 males) |
| Intervention | Hypnosis |
| Measures | Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness |
| Key findings | Under hypnosis, participants showed notably higher performance during the mid-phase of the Iowa Gambling Task than in the alert state, and efficient decision strategies developed more rapidly. The delayed reward version had a more pronounced effect on decision efficiency than the delayed punishment version. The authors propose that hypnosis may accelerate the development of "somatic markers," leading to earlier correct decisions. |
Abstract
Introduction: Numerous studies have shown a link between hypnotic susceptibility, the hypnotically altered state of consciousness, and the intensity of experienced emotions (De Pascalis et al., 1987; De Pascalis, Marucci, & Penna, 1989; Bryant & McConkey, 1989; Crowson, Conroy, & Chester, 1991; Crawford, Kapelis, & Harrison, 1995). One of the most suitable experimental psychological methods for modeling real-life decisional conditions is the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) (Bechara, Tranel, & Damasio, 2000). Hypnosis has the potential to provide several benefits in decision-making, although there is limited scientific research on the subject.
Objectives: The main goal of this study was to determine if a hypnotically altered state of consciousness could affect decision efficacy in a real-life modeling situation.
Methods: Forty-eight healthy students (including 28 females and 20 males) from the University of Szeged participated in both the delayed punishment and delayed reward versions of the Iowa Gambling Task under alert and hypnotic states.
Results: During the mid-phase of the tasks while in hypnosis, notably higher performance levels were recorded compared to the alert state. In a simulated real-life scenario, the delayed reward had a more pronounced effect on decision-making efficiency than the delayed punishment. It became evident that the efficient decision-making strategy evolved more rapidly under hypnosis than in an alert state.
Conclusions: The hypnotic state of consciousness in an experimental decision situation modeling real life may accelerate the development of somatic markers, leading to earlier correct decision-making. Disclosure of Interest None Declared