The Sage Informer

Psychology teacher, Andrew Webb, began his yearly unit overHypnosis. To illustrate the effects and idea of hypnosis, this past week he showed his classes a video that would hypnotize most students. For hypnosis to work, students have to be able to ‘let go’ and allow their minds to become intrigued with the video presented to them which will result in different reactions among individuals. 

Many questions arose during the consciousness unit, which resulted in many students being hypnotized, this past week. One main question was how is it allowed to hypnotize students and how did the idea come to mind.  “It is in the textbook for consciousness and I saw a hypnotist at a senior lock in. I also talked to another teacher who did the same thing, and after seeing the Volleyball player do it I got the video and it all just worked out.” as stated by psychology teacher, Andrew Webb. The hypnotizing unit has been a part of Monticello High school’s psychology class for many years with no report of true harm to students; many students still elaborate on the unusual or weird side effects they have or expected to have. 

Junior Emma Bailliez, a student who did get hypnotized stated, “I didn’t really expect anything. I guess I was expecting more of you watching it and it doesn’t really affect you. I did not expect any reaction.” Bailliez, along with many psychology students, did not expect any type of reaction. Junior Lexi Clarkson stated, “I kinda expected more of an exciting feeling but instead I felt more tired and drained after watching it.” Other students alongside Clarkson experienced some type of reaction after being hypnotized, some experienced worse reactions than others.

“My right arm hurt for about 30 minutes. I was just sitting here and I was like I’m not laying on it and I’m not doing anything with it, so it was just weird.” stated Bailliez. Clarkson also stated, “I did not experience any weird or unusual side effects but my arms felt numb. That’s about it.” While many students like Bailliez and Clarkson experienced side effects, a fair number of students like junior Chloe Shapland had not gotten hypnotized and had no effect at all. “I feel like it was not really beneficial nor non-beneficial because it did not really have an effect on me sinceI didn’t get hypnotized.” stated Shapland. 

Andrew Webb gave his students the choice to try to get hypnotized or to be excused from the activity, but those who decided to try to get hypnotized were able to get a better understanding of the idea of consciousness.

Kayden Wilhelm, Staff Writer
Wilka24@sages.us