The process of altering the state of consciousness induced by conditioning and skilled use of suggestions is… - RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Psychology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Explanation

Hypnosis is defined as a state of heightened attentiveness and suggestibility, which can be considered an altered state of consciousness.
The process is induced through specific techniques (conditioning) that involve focusing attention and relaxation.
Once induced, the state is used to deliver therapeutic suggestions for behavior change, pain control, or anxiety reduction.
This matches the question's description of altering consciousness through conditioning and suggestion.

Option A: Aversion therapy is a form of behavioral conditioning that uses punishment or an unpleasant stimulus to eliminate an undesirable behavior. It does not involve inducing an altered state of consciousness via suggestion.
Option B: Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and changing distorted thought patterns and beliefs. It is a talk therapy that works within the patient's normal state of consciousness.
Option D: Relaxation therapy aims to reduce physiological and psychological stress and tension. While it can be a component of hypnotic induction, its primary goal is not to create a state of heightened suggestibility for therapeutic intervention.

Visual 1: Flowchart: Steps of Hypnotic Induction. This visual can illustrate the process from initial relaxation and attention focusing (conditioning) to achieving a state of heightened suggestibility where therapeutic suggestions are given.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and characteristics of hypnosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses can use or advocate for hypnosis as a non-pharmacological intervention for pain management, especially for procedural pain (e.g., dressing changes, IV insertion).
It is also effective in reducing anxiety before surgery or medical procedures.
Hypnosis has been successfully used to manage side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, such as anticipatory nausea and vomiting.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question to identify the key defining elements of the process being described. The keywords here are 'altering the state of consciousness,' 'conditioning,' and 'skilled use of suggestions.'
Next, evaluate each option against these keywords.
Aversion therapy uses negative conditioning, but not to alter consciousness in this way.
Cognitive therapy deals with thoughts, not altered states of consciousness.
Relaxation therapy reduces stress but doesn't inherently involve the high level of suggestibility mentioned.
Hypnosis directly matches all three key elements: it's an altered state of consciousness, induced by conditioning techniques, for the purpose of using suggestions. Therefore, it is the most accurate answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definition and characteristics of hypnosis.
Stem keywords: altering state of consciousness, conditioning, skilled use of suggestions
Lead-in keywords: is known as

QxHkGQRFWB4lg3e8sl0Eat