Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

D I V E R S I T Y
Cross-Cultural Routes to Altered States 
of Consciousness
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K E Y T E R M S
hypnosis p. 154
meditation p. 156
158 Chapter 
5 
States of Consciousness
1.
Hypnosis; 2.
no; people who ar
e hypnotized cannot be made to 
perform self-destructive acts; 
3.
Meditation; 4.
mantra
R E C A P / E V A L U A T E / R E T H I N K
R E C A P
What is hypnosis, and are hypnotized people in a different 
state of consciousness?
• Hypnosis produces a state of heightened susceptibility 
to the suggestions of the hypnotist. Under hypnosis, 
signifi cant behavioral changes occur, including in-
creased concentration and suggestibility, heightened 
ability to recall and construct images, lack of initiative, 
and acceptance of suggestions that clearly contradict 
reality. (p. 154) 
What are the effects of meditation?
• Meditation is a learned technique for refocusing atten-
tion that brings about an altered state of consciousness. 
(p. 156)
• Different cultures have developed their own unique 
ways to alter states of consciousness. (p. 157)
E VA LU AT E
1. 
is a state of heightened susceptibility to the 
suggestions of others.
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?
3.
is a learned technique for refocusing attention 
to bring about an altered state of consciousness.