| Author: | Lau, Hiu Ying |
| Title: | The efficacy of hypnotherapy for people with depression : a pilot study |
| Advisors: | Siu, M. H. Andrew (RS) Lau, W. M. Benson (RS) |
| Degree: | DHSc |
| Year: | 2022 |
| Subject: | Depression, Mental -- Treatment Hypnotism -- Therapeutic use Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Faculty of Health and Social Sciences |
| Pages: | x, 103 pages : color illustrations |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Hypnotherapy has been widely applied in health care, and there is growing evidence showing its effectiveness in relaxation, symptom relief and stress reduction. However, it was not commonly applied in the local context and efficacy studies were scarce. Neodissociation model proposed that people have multiple cognitive systems in which thoughts and information processing are capable of functioning simultaneously. Hypnosis could enable various autonomous cognitive subsystems to dissociate from one another. The model explains how the responses of people to hypnosis procedures and suggestions could be integrated in cognitive subsystems. People with depression tend to preoccupy with repetitive thoughts and negative images known as ruminations. Moreover, they tend to have negative view of the self and future. In treating depression, hypnotherapy enhances an individual's awareness of positive affect and mental wellness. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of hypnotherapy for people with depression. The participants are anticipated to benefit from hypnotherapy by inducing positive mood, decreasing depressive symptoms, rumination and stress level, building inner strength to counteract dysfunctional thoughts and instilling hope for future orientation. The important elements in the change process in hypnotherapy include relaxation with breathing exercise, positive imagery, deepening of positive experience by muscle relaxation, post-hypnotic suggestions of ego strengthening and enhancement of mental wellbeing in daily life. A total of thirty-two participants from the community fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to go through either four weekly sessions of hypnotherapy or control condition of listening to calm music. Participant's depressive symptoms, rumination tendency, mental well-being and stress level were assessed at baseline and upon completion of intervention program by outcome measures of depression, rumination, well-being and heart rate variability. The outcomes were compared and analysed by chi-square test, t-test and repeated measures of general linear model. There was no significant difference between the experimental and control participants with regard to baseline demographic features. Both hypnotherapy group and control group demonstrated decrements in depressive symptoms, rumination and stress level reflected by the comparisons of clinical scores. The findings suggest reductions in depressive symptoms, rumination tendency and stress level were observed in both hypnotherapy group and control group, and the overall effect was more prominent in the control group participants. The results of this pilot study could potentially offer additive value to the existing evidence that hypnotherapy could be a viable complementary treatment in clinical context for clients with depression. Further study and analysis is encouraged to evaluate the baseline characteristics, predictors and specific elements involve in change mechanism that leads to a more promising hypnosis treatment. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6680.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 2.66 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/12248