The psychological effects of hypnosis on stage

Hypnosis shows in Monaco are attracting growing interest from enthusiasts and even the general public. Used in entertainment as well as in mental health and medicine, hypnosis is a fascinating practice with multiple applications. In this article, we’ll focus on the psychological effects of hypnosis when performed on stage.

A reminder of hypnosis and hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which a person becomes highly receptive to suggestion. It works on an individual’s subconscious, enabling them to accept new ideas and behaviors. Hypnosis therapy, also known as hypnotherapy, aims to treat a variety of mental or physical health problems , such as stress management, pain, addiction or self-esteem.

Stage hypnosis and hypnotism

Stage hypnosis uses similar methods to those used in hypnotherapy, but with an essentially playful and educational approach. The primary aim is to entertain, while providing a wide audience with an insight into this fascinating method. However, it’s important to stress that stage hypnosis, also known as hypnotism, differs fundamentally from hypnotherapy in its approach and aims.

The psychological effects of hypnosis on stage

Hypnosis on stage creates a unique experience for both the audience and the hypnotized. Psychological effects may vary according to the suggestions given by the practitioner, but also to the receptivity and personality of each participant. Here are some of the main effects:

Changes in behavior and perception

• Increased sensitivity to suggestions – The hypnotic state induces extreme receptivity in participants to the hypnotist’s suggestions. This can lead to temporary changes in the way they act, think and perceive. They can spontaneously accept ideas without question, which makes the experience even more intriguing.
• Time distortion – Some people hypnotized on stage report feeling as if time has stopped or slowed down. This sensation can be very pronounced if the artist plays with this aspect through his suggestions.
• Identity change – Under hypnosis, some participants may be led to believe they are another individual or even an animal, leading to amusing and disconcerting situations.
• Modification of physical sensations – Suggestions made during hypnosis can also influence the perception of physical sensations. For example, a participant may be led to believe that he or she is extremely heavy or light, or even that he or she is flying.

Influence on emotions

The state of hypnosis associated with the hypnotist’s suggestions can provoke a wide range of emotions in participants, from laughter and tears to joy, fear and anger. This experience allows the audience to become aware of the power of the human mind and its ability to generate emotional change so quickly and intensely.

Selective amnesia and false memories

Some suggestions given during hypnosis performances can induce selective amnesia: a phenomenon whereby the hypnotized person is unable to remember certain elements of his or her experience. Similarly, the practitioner can suggest the implantation of fictitious memories, also known as false memories, which can be convincing and realistic for the participants concerned.

Psychological mechanisms underlying hypnosis

Cognitive biases and dissonance

The workings of hypnosis, whether practiced on stage or in therapy, are based in part on cognitive biases, those systematic errors of cognition that lead us to perceive and interpret reality differently. For example, a practitioner’s suggestion can alter our mental representation or interpretation of the context in which we find ourselves.

Cognitive dissonance, the tension caused by conflicting beliefs, also comes into play. Under hypnosis, to reduce this dissonance, it is easier for an individual to adopt a new belief proposed by the hypnotist, even if it conflicts with his or her concrete reality.

Overton window

The Overton window represents the range of ideas and behaviors that individuals consider socially acceptable. In stage hypnosis, this psychological effect plays an important role, as participants are led to adopt behaviors that would normally be perceived as strange or unacceptable. The state of hypnosis allows us to temporarily push back the limits of this window and explore new perspectives.

Potential psychological benefits of hypnosis on stage

Although hypnosis at shows is not a therapeutic treatment in itself, it can have beneficial effects for some people :

• Building self-confidence – Taking part in an experience as exhilarating as hypnosis on stage, and being able to respond favorably to it, can boost participants’ self-esteem.
• Demystifying hyp_n_o_s_e – Viewers and participants can gain a better understanding of the hypnosis process, and be encouraged to explore this method further as part of their therapeutic accompaniment.
• Open-mindedness and well-being – The experience of hypnosis on stage can help some individuals more easily adopt an open-minded and curious attitude towards what seems unknown or inaccessible. This can promote their long-term psychological and emotional well-being.

Performing hypnosis in Monaco is a fascinating way to discover the inner workings of the human subconscious, and to better grasp the power of the cognitive processes that influence our perceptions and behaviors. This playful approach also demonstrates hypnosis’ cleverly illusive ability to generate unique and intriguing experiences for participants and spectators alike.