This eminent Russian physiologist and founder of classical conditioning was not a hypnotist, but in his brilliant work studied the science as applicable to animals.
While observers for years had noted hypnotic effects on animals, Pavlov clearly equated hypnosis with conditioning. His series of scholarly discussions with Sigmund Freud on the subject of hypnosis are now considered classics in the behavioral sciences.
Dr. Pavlov created a new dimension in behavioral conditioning in his experiments with dogs, eliciting salivating with bells and lights, so did he also construe a (then) new aspect of hypnosis.
Pavlov claimed animal hypnosis was a "reflex of self-preservation - if the animal could not seek safety in flight or fight, it immobilized itself, and it seemed this immobility had the power of halting the enemy's attack."
He experimented with inhibitory techniques such as laying dogs on their backs with a monotonous stimuli and in fact hypnotized his dogs to remain in their inert state. He felt that feat was the reflex for inhibiting animals and demonstrated how hypnosis (like sleep) could be brought about by monotonous stimuli.
While observers for years had noted hypnotic effects on animals, Pavlov clearly equated hypnosis with conditioning. His series of scholarly discussions with Sigmund Freud on the subject of hypnosis are now considered classics in the behavioral sciences.
Dr. Pavlov created a new dimension in behavioral conditioning in his experiments with dogs, eliciting salivating with bells and lights, so did he also construe a (then) new aspect of hypnosis.
Pavlov claimed animal hypnosis was a "reflex of self-preservation - if the animal could not seek safety in flight or fight, it immobilized itself, and it seemed this immobility had the power of halting the enemy's attack."
He experimented with inhibitory techniques such as laying dogs on their backs with a monotonous stimuli and in fact hypnotized his dogs to remain in their inert state. He felt that feat was the reflex for inhibiting animals and demonstrated how hypnosis (like sleep) could be brought about by monotonous stimuli.
In the many experiments Pavlov and his associates had with animals to construct behavioral response, they noted the many and varying hypnotic states, degrees or levels exhibited. His contributions to hypnosis and psychology in general are enormous and can never be over-estimated.
It was Pavlov's classical conditioning that led to operant conditioning (Watson-Skinner) and today's Behavior Modification, a new science highly compatible with hypnosis.
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Compiled as a text for students entering the advanced HYPMOVATION course in hetero- hypnosis.
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