Glencoe Understanding Psychology: Student Web Activity: Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Altered States of Consciousness

"Mind Over Matters"

Introduction
Doctors and therapists sometimes use altered states of consciousness, such as hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback, to help their patients manage stress and pain, change behaviors, and overcome phobias. Now psychologists and physicians are taking hypnosis into the operating room! Go to the Web site to learn about a study to make surgery "faster and smoother."

Destination Title: Why Files—Hypnosis
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Directions

Start at the Why Files—Hypnosis Web site.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. Who was the author of the study, and what are the author's qualifications?

2. What did the study try to find out?

3. How does the author of the study define hypnotism?

4. Describe the results of the study.

5. Imagine you are a physician and have heard of this study. Although you have not used hypnosis or other altered states of consciousness in your work with patients, you think about possibilities. What other new ways can you think of to use hypnosis? You may want to do research on the Internet for additional information. Then write a brief essay outlining other ways in which hypnosis, biofeedback, or other relaxation techniques might be able to help physicians.