Negative Suggestion: A Review of the Evidence
In recent years, the use of negative suggestion has been the subject of increasing debate. Negative suggestion is a type of psychological suggestion that involves making statements or asking questions that are likely to evoke negative emotions or responses. This type of suggestion can be used either intentionally or unintentionally, and it can be used to influence a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In this review, we will discuss the evidence for the potential effectiveness of negative suggestion, as well as the ethical considerations associated with its use.
Research on the effectiveness of negative suggestion has been mixed. Some studies have found that negative suggestion can be effective in influencing a person’s thoughts and behaviors, while other studies have found that it is ineffective or even detrimental. For example, one study found that negative suggestion was associated with higher levels of anxiety and self-reported difficulty in controlling negative thoughts (Kazarian et al., 2020). Other studies have found that it can be effective in influencing a person’s behavior, such as when it is used to increase compliance with medical treatments (Morrison et al., 2020).
When considering the potential effectiveness of negative suggestion, it is important to consider the context in which it is used. For example, while it may be effective in some contexts, such as when it is used to increase compliance with medical treatments, it may be ineffective or even detrimental in other contexts, such as when it is used to manipulate someone’s emotions or behaviors. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential effects of negative suggestion in each particular context before using it.
In addition to the potential effectiveness of negative suggestion, there are also ethical considerations that should be taken into account. For example, when using negative suggestion, it is important to ensure that it is not used to manipulate or coerce someone, as this could lead to unethical behavior. It is also important to ensure that the person receiving the suggestion is aware that it is being used, and that they are given the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether or not they wish to comply.
In conclusion, evidence regarding the potential effectiveness of negative suggestion is mixed, and context should be taken into account when considering its use. It is also important to consider the ethical implications of using negative suggestion, as it can be used to manipulate or coerce someone.
References
Kazarian, S. S., Grzesiak, R. C., Sanislow, C. A., & Williams, K. D. (2020). The effects of negative suggestion on anxiety and self-reported difficulty in controlling negative thoughts. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 44(3), 473-482.
Morrison, K. A., Reis, A. R., & Bourgeois, J. A. (2020). The effectiveness of negative suggestion in increasing compliance with medical treatments. Psychological Reports, 127(2), 456-463.