Is hypnosis really dangerous?
- 1 April 1972
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
- Vol. 20 (2) , 61-79
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00207147208409278
Abstract
The literature on the dangers of hypnosis, the author's experience with 3,000 private psychiatric patients, and the current opinions of experts in the field of hypnosis are summarized. The author concludes that hypnosis cannot be considered as being “a cause” or an external “force.” It is a form of adaptation, folie à deux, an alibi, a neurotic compromise and a rationalized, regressive, masochistic maneuver, whose goal is to obtain the gratification of unacceptable wishes and to avoid superego condemnation. There are no significant or specific dangers associated with hypnosis per se. The actual dangers are those which accompany every psychotherapeutic relationship.Keywords
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