Research strategy
Not born hypnotizable
The idea that response to hypnosis is a trait, a general propensity to respond to suggestions, is the dominant view and represent one of the most consensual points in experimental research. However, setting aside the quasi-circular nature of this explanation, we find this idea is based on rather tenuous results.
The last few decades have witnessed an accumulation of flaws in this conception of hypnosis. Perhaps the most damning result against this approach is the mechanistic diversity of responding to a suggestion. In short, the same hypnotic phenomenon can be realized in different ways by different individuals.
This has been demonstrated, for example, in hypnotic arm paralysis, with one strategy relying on a muscular mechanism and another purely cognitive [lien vers billet de blog à ce sujet]. If a single hypnotic phenomenon may rely on drastically different mechanisms, it undermines the very idea of explaining the totality of these phenomena with a monolithic explanation
Hypnosis is an activity that is performed by individuals, not something that against their will. Just as different people have different levels in their ability to swim, so do they in hypnotic responsiveness.
As no one was born a champion swimmer, the question at the heart of our laboratory is:
how can we optimize hypnotic responses?
Trance as a technology to be developed
To meet the many challenges of optimizing hypnotic response, we approach hypnosis as a skilled action enacted by the hypnotized person and usually assisted and guided by a hypnotist. This perspective has the benefit to reconnect the field of hypnosis to other research areas and paradigms. In a way, this approach is the polar opposite to the “trance approach” which aims at explaining many phenomena under the construct of trance. On the contrary, we aim at uncovering the multiplicity of mechanisms present in specific phenomena that may independently be involved in other “trance phenomena”
Indeed, typical hypnotic phenomena do happen outside the context of hypnosis and are incredibly diverse. These include strong modulations of the sense of agency, modulation of normal cognitive functioning, as well as changes in perceptions, cognitions, emotions and psychosomatic effects. In short, these are modulations of experience.
Controlling these phenomena would have decisive applications in clinical psychology, medicine, coaching and more. Although these applications already exist, they are mainly hampered by the difficulty of reliably elicit useful hypnotic phenomena for the majority of people.
We are in a similar situation to the history of electricity, where in the 18th century there were well-known cases of electrical phenomena (lightning, animal electricity, static electricity, etc.) but no technical mastery of the phenomenon. Like electricity at the time, trance is a technology yet to be developed. Hypnotism is based on two centuries of technical evolution, and we are determined to combine the technicality of its practice with the rigor of science.
Complex mechanisms
require precision methods
Why have these questions resisted almost a century of experimental research?
Today, cell biology would be unthinkable without the appropriate microscopy equipment. Indeed, this is the level of observation required to answer current questions in the field. Similarly, hypnosis needs to be studied at a finer level of granularity, that is to say as a complex assemblage of simpler phenomena rather than a monolithic phenomenon.
Consequently, our experimental approach is based on three pillars:
> A technical development of hypnosis must be based on causal links rather than mere correlations. For this reason, our research is interventional, aiming to establish the necessary and sufficient conditions to produce hypnotic phenomena by comparing fine variations between protocols.
> Our research is based on rich, reliable data. The fact that hypnotic phenomena are predominantly subjective has largely hampered the research, since it is possible for participants’ accounts to be influenced by the experimental context such as demand characteristics. To avoid this, subjective reports are supplemented by implicit behavioral tests and physiological measurements. This density of convergent measures aims to reduce the interpretative flexibility of the results and improve their robustness.
> We also use appropriate mathematical models to describe the complex phenomena of hypnosis. These models provide greater transparency as to what our theories actually predict and minimize the latitude for interpretation.
These three pillars – intervention research, the use of reliable convergent data and the use of descriptive models – aim at fostering our understanding of hypnosis in a way that will have strong repercussions in practice and, ultimately, for users.
Intervention
research
Converging methodologies
Modeling
The Scientific Advisory Board
The Scientific Advisory Board is composed of independent, experienced academic researchers in disciplines within or closely related to the field of hypnosis. The board is consulted on strategic research decisions.
Steven Jay Lynn
Steven passed away on Friday March 29, 2024 at the age of 78. He was a legend of hypnosis who contributed so much to the advancement of both clinical practice and experimental research. Despite the depth of his expertise, he was one of the most humble, caring and curious people I’ve ever had the chance to meet.
PRHySME has lost an eminent member of its Scientific Advisory Board, and the scientific community has lost one of its most brilliant contributors. But above all, Steve will be missed for what he was: a mentor.
Ethics Review Board
The Ethics Review Borad is composed of independent members who contribute to the ethical reflection of the laboratory and review research protocols conducted within the laboratory for compliance with our ethical commitments and the best international research standards. For complete transparency, the Ethics Committee’s presentation document is available here. The committee is made up of :
Alumni
We cherish the memories of those who contributed to the laboratory and are delighted that their time here gave them the opportunity to learn more about the mysteries of hypnosis, and to develop the spirit of research crucial to their future careers.
