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Can Subliminal Messaging Correct Negative Behaviour?
by
Dr Greg Frost
The method of using subliminal messaging to effect a desired result was tinder to the flame of controversy that swept the nation throughout the mid to late 20th century. Supporters raved about its potential abilities to help market products to otherwise unwilling consumers while opponents argued that it took an unfair advantage; this later led to a number of conspiracy theories that resulted in the outcome of subliminal messages being banned from public viewing.
That has not stopped the research into the subject, however. The possibility of using the simple technique of flashing a sound or an image into a person’s mind for a small fraction of a second at regular intervals to effect a tremendous change in their behavior has proven to be one that science cannot afford to ignore; however, rather than using it to market products scientists have been involved in intensive research to test the ability of subliminal messaging in correcting negative behavior.
There are many who believe that success in losing weight, stopping smoking, quitting a drug or making a difficult decision lies not in the ability to convince the conscious mind but in the ability to convince the subconscious. The general consensus is that the subconscious has some influence over the opinions and decisions formed by the conscious mind while the conscious mind does not influence the subconscious (although this has not yet been confirmed); therefore, if techniques were used to convince the subconscious mind that it did not want to participate in a behavior the conscious mind would comply.
These techniques have not been proven; for every study which shows a positive result there is at least one more that shows that subliminal messaging had no effect on the subject in question. This has not stopped retailers from attempting to exploit this still experimental therapy in order to make a profit. Subliminal messaging for every topic from losing weight to succeeding in business is now available on the market.
Is subliminal messaging a viable form of therapy? Is this the answer to all who have tried and failed through more traditional methods? Only time will tell.
How To Effectively Benefit From Subliminal Messaging
The science of using subliminal messaging to impact various behavior patterns is not new; however, it is largely experimental. Through the process of continuous research many retailers have developed their own strategies for successful subliminal messaging.
The belief behind the process of subliminal messaging is that by contacting and influencing the thoughts, opinions and behaviors of the subconscious scientists would be able to actively control the thoughts, opinions and behaviors of the conscious mind as well. The subconscious is believed to be the portion of the mind which stores repressed memories; that which the conscious mind has either forgotten or noticed but deemed to be inconsequential.
The human mind can only focus on so many elements at once; attempting to focus on everything that was occurring around them at any given time would slowly drive a single individual mad. Rather than succumbing to insanity at an early age the conscious mind acts as a sieve for everything that the brain sees and hears; if it is relevant to its current situation it will retain and process that information, if it deems it to be unnecessary it will allow the information to filter through into the subconscious. Perhaps the brain never truly forgets information which it has seen and heard; perhaps it is held in the subconscious all along as the conscious continues on to other subject matter. Whichever the case may be there can be no doubt that the subconscious is an extremely important part of the human psyche, capable of storing vast quantities of information and not to be disregarded.
While current research into the effectiveness of subliminal messaging is still largely inconclusive those that hold fast to the belief in its effectiveness have developed a set of guidelines which are intended to help the user get the most influence they can from the fraction of a second sounds and images they see and hear.
- The belief is that since the subconscious mind can only operate in the present (hence the reason that hypnosis patients “relive” events that are pulled from their subconscious mind while they are under the influence) subliminal messages must also be set in the present tense (“drink soda” or “call the police”, as were tried in some trial experiments).
- The images should also be positive, as the subconscious may reject images that it perceives as negative. The concept behind subliminal messaging is to have the subconscious encourage the conscious to follow a particular behavior pattern, not to reject it outright.
- A proper time and a place are not necessarily relevant, although a lack of other stimulus is encouraged to help the mind to focus.
- Finally, patients willing to try subliminal messaging must approach the matter with an open mind. The mind can be as a steel trap, retaining an opinion in the face of all reason for sheer contrariness. While this opinion can be changed later, rather than effectively complete a trial for no reason whatsoever the patient should take all steps to ensure success as early as possible.
Dr Greg Frost is the Director of ChargedAudio™
. A premier subliminal technology specialist companyy. Established since 1981, they have been providing the best and most innovative self improvement subliminal products to thousands of their clients. You can visit them at www.ChargedAudio.com
