Neo-dissociation Theory

One state theory is the 'Neo-dissociation theory' which was conceived by Ernest Hilgard. The main idea is that hypnotic effects and phenomena are produced through the dissociation of the hierarchical substructures of the executive functions located primarily in the pre-frontal areas of the frontal lobe. The executive functions cover a range of cognitive processes which include; planning, execution, working memory, reasoning and task flexibility. Hilgard's theory states that the executive control systems are divided into compartentalised sections during the hypnotic state. The various components continue to function normally, although not all of them are able to be registered within the individual's conscious awareness. This idea tallies well with the fact that many patients recall feeling that they were aware of everything that happened during the process, although when questioned are unable to remember aspects of the therapy. This 'hypnotic amnesia' is relatively common. Hilgard suggests that a amnesic barrier is at work, and that the suggestions given during hypnotherapy come to the individual's awareness in the form of their effectiveness although they are not aware of how they came about as the suggestions have acted upon a dissociated component of the executive function and is unable to be represented within conscoius awareness. Hilgard was prompted to produce the neo-dissociation theory due to his experiments with the 'hidden observer'. During his investigations, Hilgard made suggestions to a hidden, subconscious part of the mind experiencing hypnotic pain relief and was able to elicit sensations of pain which had no external source. His conclusion was that there are both conscious and unconscious control systems that are operating within the mind. This would go some way to explaining how we can come up with answers to questions we have never been aware of musing upon, how solutions come to us while daydreaming or how complex functions such as driving can be performed while consciously dealing with other problems or thoughts. The neo-dissociation theory does not work in tandem with some other theories of hypnosis, as we shall see in the next post.

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