Suggestion
🔍 What is Suggestion?
Suggestion is a psychological concept that refers to the influence on a person's thoughts, feelings, or behavior, often without them being fully aware of it. Suggestion usually works on a subconscious level, meaning it's not processed through logical thinking but through emotional or symbolic triggers.
The word comes from the Latin suggerere, which means "to suggest" or "to bring into the mind."
Suggestion plays a big role in hypnosis, self-help, therapy, advertising, politics, and everyday communication.
🧠 Types of Suggestion
Suggestion can come in different forms depending on who is influencing and how the influence is delivered. Here are the main types:
1. Hetero-Suggestion (External Suggestion)
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Definition: Influence coming from an external source – such as another person, media, or authority figure.
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Example: A doctor says, “This medicine will definitely help you.” – The patient believes it and feels better (Placebo effect).
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Common in: Advertising, education, politics, hypnosis.
2. Auto-Suggestion (Self-Suggestion)
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Definition: The person influences themselves through inner speech, thoughts, or mental imagery.
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Example: Telling yourself, “I can do this,” or using positive affirmations like “I am calm and confident.”
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Used in: Mental training, motivation, self-healing, sports psychology.
3. Tele-Suggestion (Remote Suggestion)
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Definition: Influence from a distance, without direct contact with the influencing source – often through media or subtle cues.
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Example: You see a billboard advertising Coke. Later, you suddenly crave a Coke, without realizing why.
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Found in: Mass media, subliminal advertising, propaganda.
4. Hypnotic Suggestion
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Definition: Suggestions given during hypnosis, when a person’s conscious awareness is reduced and the subconscious is more open to influence.
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Example: A hypnotist says, “You cannot lift your arm,” and the person experiences it as real.
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Used in: Hypnotherapy, treating fears, quitting smoking, pain management, etc.
🧩 Extra Categories (if you’re curious):
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Direct Suggestion: Clear, specific instructions (“You are now completely relaxed.”)
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Indirect Suggestion: More subtle, often metaphorical (“Many people feel calm in this place... maybe you do too.”)
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Affirmations: Positive self-suggestions stated in the present tense (“I am strong and focused.”)
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Post-Hypnotic Suggestion: A suggestion meant to take effect after hypnosis (“After you wake up, you’ll feel energized and confident.”)
Let me know if you'd like examples from everyday life, therapy, or even how to use suggestion techniques
Links:
Suggestion Products
Suggestion Items - Paid Link
