Group Hypnosis for Stress Reduction - A Feasibility Study.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a standardized hypnotherapeutic group program for stress reduction, test its feasibility, and measure its preliminary pre- to postintervention effects. In this prospective, single-arm feasibility study, healthy adult participants with self-assessed increased stress levels received 5 weekly group hypnosis sessions plus audio recordings. Twelve persons (10 females, mean (SD) age 48.9 (11.8) years participated. The mean (SD) intensity of perceived stress on a 0-to-100 mm VAS was reduced from 75.5 (11.5) mm at baseline to 33.9 (18.8) mm after 5 weeks. Cohen's perceived stress scale was reduced from 20.8 (5.7) to 13.8 (5.4). Focus group interviews showed that the study intervention was feasible and well accepted. Confirmatory testing of the intervention in a randomized controlled trial is necessary.