Chapter 13: Problem 2

A friend tells you, "I once heard of a person who was murdered by being hypnotized and then told to jump from the Golden Gate Bridge!" Could such a thing have happened? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified

No, the statement is false. A person can't be hypnotized into performing life-threatening actions against their will. Hypnosis can't force someone to act beyond their moral and ethical boundaries.

Step by step solution

Understanding Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of heightened focus and suggestibility. It's commonly used in therapy to help people relax, concentrate, or remember forgotten experiences. While hypnotized, individuals are alert and in control; they're not unconscious and cannot be forced to do anything against their will.

Hypnosis and Human Will

It's important to understand that being hypnotized doesn't mean one surrenders their will to the hypnotist. Individuals under hypnosis maintain their own personality and moral judgments. The hypnotist could suggest, but not enforce, certain behaviors. If a hypnotist suggests something that's against the person's ethical or moral standards, the person will likely ignore the suggestion.

Hypnosis and Life-Threatening Actions

The idea of hypnosis causing harmful or life-threatening behavior is largely a myth. People under hypnosis cannot be made to perform actions that they would normally find objectionable or unreasonable. Jumping off a bridge, especially one as high as the Golden Gate Bridge, is a life-threatening action that most people wouldn't willingly do. Thus, being hypnotized wouldn't make them take this action against their better judgment.

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A friend tells you, "I once heard of a person who was murdered by being hypnotized and then told to jump from the Golden Gate Bridge!" Could such a thing have happened? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Hypnosis

Hypnosis and Human Will

Hypnosis and Life-Threatening Actions

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