The Malaysian Society of Clinical Hypnosis

Contemp. Hypnosis 2006; 23(4): 151–166. doi: 10.1002/ch.320. Published online in Wiley InterScience.

Much of our waking life is spent daydreaming, with content varying by factors such as personality and gender. Three distinct fantasy styles have been identified: Positive-Constructive (PC), Guilt-Fear-of-Failure (GFF), and Poor Attentional Control (PAC). This research was designed to bridge the literature on fantasy style and hypnosis by examining the effect of fantasy style on the content of hypnotic dreaming.

Although hypnosis is now less popular as an interviewing technique in forensic investigations than it used to be, recent evidence suggests that some of the components of hypnotic interviewing might still be useful in the development of brief memory facilitation procedures.

Dr. Annapurny’s session, "Hypnosis in Paediatric Dentistry," shone a critical light on the vital role of Paediatric Hypnosis as a safe, non-pharmacological method for managing patient anxiety and pain. Her contribution reinforces the global shift towards genuinely patient-centred care, particularly for our youngest patients who often experience significant distress during medical procedures.

One issue with traditional pain assessment methods (Karoly & Jensen, 1987) is that clinicians overlook the potential role of unconscious variables as a possible source of a pain problem. This case write-up is to illustrate this point, namely the importance of considering the unconscious process in regard to pain assessment.

Self-Hypnosis mentioned in Pain Management Handbook(2022) issued by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia According to the American Psychological Association (APA), hypnosis is a state of focused attention and reduced awareness, characterised by an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion. It involves a person being guided to make changes to their perception, sensation, emotion, or behaviour (American Psychological Association, 2023). Extensive research in psychology, neuroscien

Hypnosis is defined as a conscious state of intensely focused  attention, combined with reduced awareness of the external environment and increased openness to suggestion. It often occurs within a therapeutic context—hypnotherapy—where guided suggestions aim to address psychological or physical issues. Mechanisms Behind Hypnosis Neuroimaging research has revealed that hypnosis involves measurable changes in brain function. During a hypnotic state, there’s heightened activity