Specific Theories

Abstract

Publications by Shor (1959, 1962) are important because they expose both the commonplace and complex aspects of hypnosis, and advance formulations that draw together many useful distinctions embedded in several theories of hypnosis. They are also important because they succeed in emphasizing the difference between the experiences of trance and hypnosis, and the relationship between them. Shor analyzes the experience of trance with painstaking attention to detail, indicating that it can occur unobtrusively as when one is absorbed by listening to music; deliberately as when one studies intensively; or spontaneously as when drowsiness leads to sleep or in pathologic conditions such as fugue states. Hypnosis, on the other hand, requires an interaction with another person to whom responsibility for inducing the trance is ascribed.