User:Xenja/Suggestion

The term suggestion was introduced in the 17th/18th century and refers to the manipulative influencing of a thought or sensation, with the result that the manipulation goes unnoticed or is, at least temporarily, not accessible to consciousness.

Etymologically, it can be traced back to the Latin noun "suggestio", meaning "an addition, intimation or suggestion", or to the Latin verb "suggerĕre", meaning "bring up", "lay beneath" or "afford".

In psychology, the term "suggestion" – first used by James Braid (1795–1860) – refers to a form of influence on feelings, thoughts and actions. However, distinctions or differences from related fields are rarely discussed. A distinction is made between autosuggestion and heterosuggestion, i.e. influence exerted by oneself or by others.

In the field of hypnosis, suggestions represent immediate inspirations provided by the hypnotist. Post-hypnotic suggestions, on the other hand, only take effect after the hypnosis session, usually in response to a pre-determined cue, such as a word or a gesture.

The power of suggestion can serve as a theoretical framework for explaining the placebo effect, self-fulfilling prophecies and the impact of advertising.

According to spiritual research, suggestive methods influence the unconscious feelings and will of the person being addressed, whereas a logical, liberating presentation appeals to the other person’s inner life and thus frees their feelings and will.

Differentiation between suggestibility and suggestiveness

A differentiation must be made between suggestion as an act or a result, suggestibility as the receptiveness of the person being influenced, and suggestiveness as the potential to be able to plant a suggestion. With this understanding of suggestiveness, suggestibility can then also be understood as autosuggestibility – albeit triggered by an external stimulus.

The terms "suggestion" and, in particular, "suggestibility" are often used as synonyms for influencing the will, exercising power, credulity, susceptibility to influence and weakness of will.

Suggestion therapy

Even before the development of psychoanalysis, Josef Breuer (1842–1925) used suggestion to treat hysteria. In this technique, symptoms are combated by applying a suggestion. It is also used to treat phobiae or habits of a life time. Moreover it was used in the treatment of so-called war neuroses.

Heterosuggestion

Heterosuggestion is external influence, e.g. through advertising, the news, other people, and also through hypnosis.

Autogenic Training

Autogenic training is a relaxation technique which consists of mental exercises that are based on autosuggestion. Autogenic” literally means "generated from within" and it is closely related to self-hypnosis. The practitioner repeats certain phrases in their mind that relate to their own body – for example: "My heart is beating calmly and strongly". Ideally, a sequence of specific exercises and phrases leads to relaxation throughout the entire body, which can also have a beneficial effect on health.