PSYCHOLOGY OF EMOTIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Hilgard is specifically known for his theory that a so-called “hidden observer” is created in the mind while hypnosis is taking place. His research on the hidden observer during hypnotic pain management was intended to provide support for his neodissociationist theory.

Detailed explanation-2: -The “hidden observer” was introduced as a metaphor to describe a memory structure based on information that the person had registered and stored in memory without being aware that the information had been processed (Hilgard, 1973b, 1977).

Detailed explanation-3: -Hilgard’s Neodissociation theory of hypnosis is a classic ‘state’ theory. It proposes that hypnotic phenomenon are produced through a dissociation within high level control systems. Essentially, the hypnotic induction is said to split the functioning of the executive control system (ECS) into different streams.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hilgard’s (1986) neodissociation theory, responses are hypothesized to be due to a division of consciousness into 2 or more simultaneous streams, separated by an amnesic barrier that prevents access to suggestion-related executive functions, monitoring functions, or both.

Detailed explanation-5: -The hidden observer theory by Ernest Hilgard assumes that a separate consciousness is formed in an individuals mind during hypnosis which is capable of observing the individual.