How does Ernest Hilgard explain hypnosis?

Ernest Hilgard's neodissociation theory of hypnosis emphasizes that hypnosis produces a split, or dissociation, of consciousness, resulting in a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. According to Hilgard, the hypnotic state involves two levels of consciousness:

1. The receptive part: This is the unconscious or subconscious mind that is highly receptive to suggestions from the hypnotist. It is responsible for carrying out the suggestions and instructions given during hypnosis.

2. The observing part: This is the conscious mind or the part of the awareness that remains unaffected by hypnotic suggestions. It observes and monitors the hypnotic experience but does not actively participate or control the responses.

Hilgard's theory proposes that hypnosis creates a division between these two levels of consciousness, allowing individuals to respond automatically to suggestions without consciously evaluating or interpreting them. This dissociation process enables the hypnotic state and results in the various phenomena associated with hypnosis, including enhanced relaxation, reduced pain perception, increased suggestibility, and automatic responding to suggestions.