PERCEIVED THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF HYPNOSIS [font should be consistent throughout]
Perceived Therapeutic Benefits of Hypnosis as an Intervention Among Graduate Students
Negar Bastanfard B.S.
Department of Clinical Psychology, Alliant International University
PSY60140 Qualitative Methods of Research
Dr. Samantha LaMartine, Psy.D.
Perceived Therapeutic Benefits of Hypnosis as an Intervention Among Graduate Students
Introduction
Mental health complications are some of the most impairing and costly health conditions across the world. Conditions like anxiety and anxiety-related disorders are common, with a lifetime prevalence that is as high as 29% of the population (Fuhr et al., 2017), and is projected to be on a steady rise. Also, many individuals who suffer from these complications do not qualify for or gain access to a proper diagnosis. For example, nearly35% of individuals with anxiety disorders suffer from mild to moderate anxiety problems (Fuhr et al., 2017). Such cases are often overlooked or not clinically resolved. Equally, the economic costs that are related to most of the psychological problems are staggering. Individuals, institutions, and government have been forced to incur considerable expenses in the form of psychological interventions. Fortunately, there are numerous effective psychological interventions for specific and a broad range of mental issues.
Hypnosis is one of the complementary or alternative therapies that is used alongside conventional psychological therapies to alleviate a number of physical and mental-health-related conditions. Jensen et al. (2017) describe hypnosis as the state of mind that is featured by focused attention and increased receptivity of suggestion. Hypnosis, as a state, is realized by compliance with instruction or achieved in a natural manner. During hypnosis, suggestions are used to provide cure to a number of health problems, including stress, addiction, and specific phobias. Despite the perceived benefits of hypnosis, there is a vast lack of awareness about hypnotherapy in the medical field. Öst (2008) notes that there are numerous misperceptions on the use of hypnosis among clients and clinical practitioners. A number of factors have contributed to these misperceptions, including the lack of research on this unconventional method of treatment and inaccurate information in the public sphere, especially in plays and movies.
Statement of the Problem
The mainstreaming of alternative treatment approaches especially in the discipline of psychology has led to the use of techniques like hypnosis to resolve a number of medical conditions (Cite). Hypnosis can be used in cases where patients suffer from extreme pain, and pharmacological treatments are not ideal. Despite its researched benefits, hypnosis remains highly stigmatized; rarely is the approach advocated by medical institutions and facilities (Cite). Vickers and Zollman (2013) noted that, in the United Kingdom and many other countries, there is no particular body that focuses on the application of hypnosis or one that regulates practitioners of this approach. The use of hypnosis largely depends on the knowledge and willingness of individual medical practitioners, hence, the misperception of the effectiveness of this approach.
The digitalization of therapy intervention through mobile and other electronic devices for self-administering is a rising tide. Electronic health admission has been advocated for a number of medical interventions based on a series of studies. Hypnosis mobile-based application for self-administering is rather new in the clinical field. There lies a vast gap in their effectiveness when used by medical practitioners and when applied by the individual. Besides, clinical practitioners’ perception of the effectiveness of this approach is not adequately documented, considering that the latter replaces the role of medical practitioners in administering hypnosis and hypnotherapy (Williamson, 2019). This existing knowledge gaps have evidently contributed to the limited application of hypnosis in the clinical practice. Upon the proposal of this research, there are no studies that have examined the perceived usefulness of hypnosis, especially among recent psychology graduates and related disciplines.
Purpose of the Study
Considering the potential application of hypnosis in physical and psychological treatments as an alternative and complementary therapy, there is a need to bridge the existing knowledge gaps. This study will focus on the perception of graduate clinical practitioners towards the use of hypnosis to achieve higher patient outcomes. Findings from this research will be critical in informing training needs for clinical practitioners that are more likely to use hypnosis as an alternative and complementary intervention. The study is also vital in understanding the willingness of clinical practitioners in using hypnosis. Clinical research is important in the advancement of knowledge and the use of evidence-based approaches in practice.
Clinical and Theoretical Relevance
Based on the principles of learning and evidence-based practice, the proposed research will explore the effectiveness, both perceived and experienced, as well as its absence, in the use of hypnosis based applications like Hyponobox. Reconciling the application of hypnosis mobile-based application and the critical role of the clinical practice is important to the advancement of this emerging area of medical and clinical research. By conducting the proposed research, potential benefits of hypnosis within the clinical environment and through self-administering strategies will be unlocked.
Literature Review
There is various form of hypnosis. However, the most common forms of hypnotherapy include traditional and modern Ericksonian approaches. Traditional hypnosis, most commonly used,relies on simplistic commands and suggestions (Garba & Mamman, 2016).to influence feeling and thoughts. While effective for most, this may not be appropriate for persons that have an analytical and critical thought process since the critique nature of the conscious mind does not support messages to be effectively applied in one’s subconscious (Cite). However, traditional hypnotism is common in stage performance and characterizes today’s club and party culture (Jensen et al., 2017). In scenarios where the traditional approach is ineffective, the hypnotist may seek alternative approaches, including conversational hypnosis. This entails the use of words and persuasion to ease stress, treat addiction, and overcome a phobia, just like the traditional form of hypnosis (Cite).
The development of the modern form of hypnosis is attributed to the pioneering works of American psychiatrist and psychologist, Dr Milton Erickson (Vickers & Zollman, 2013). This approach is based on the view that client needs are both unique and often dictated by the situation. Hence, the methodology will seek to help clients create better cognitive skills and impact the manner through which they perceived a particular situation when in challenging circumstances. The interventions used are often tailored to specific individual characteristics and needs. Modern hypnosis uses isomorphic and interpersonal metaphors. Isomorphic metaphors are based on stories that are based on moral, which renders the mind the ability to compare between one moral problem and another (Sapp, 2017). Interpersonal metaphors are based on embedded commands that serve as distractions of the mind, allowing users to process messages of the underlying metaphors.
References
Fuhr, K., Schweizer, C., Meisner, C., & Batra, A. (2017). Efficacy of hypnotherapy compared to cognitive-behavioural therapy for mild-to-moderate depression: Study protocol of a randomized-controlled rater-blind trial (WIKI-D). British Medical Journal, 7(11), 4-15.
Garba, M. H., & Mamman, M. (2016). Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: The Role of Traditional Versus Alternative Approach. IntechOpen.
Häuser, W., Hagl, M., Schmierer, A., & Ernil Hansen. ( 2016). The Efficacy, safety and applications of medical hypnosis: A systematic review of meta-analyses. International Journal of Psychiatry, 113(17), 289–296.
Jensen, M. P., Jamieson, G. A., Lutz, A., Mazzoni, G., & McGeown, W. J. (2017). New directions in hypnosis research: strategies for advancing the cognitive and clinical neuroscience of hypnosis. Neuroscience Consciousness, 12(7), 1-17.
Öst, L.-G. (, 2008). Efficacy of the third wave of behavioural therapies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 296-321.
Sapp, M. (2017). Hypnosis and mindfulness meditation: two third-generation behavioural and cognitive therapies. Sleep Medicine and Disorders: International Journal, 1(4), 101-112.
Vickers, A., & Zollman, C. (2013). Hypnosis and relaxation therapies. 2010, 319(7221), 1346–1349.
Williamson, A. (2019). What is hypnosis, and how might it work? Palliative Care, 7(13), 1-13.
Feedback.
Good first draft. Just be mindful of citations and formatting (Refer to APA Manual 7th edition). The information under the Lit Review should be moved up to the intro since it contains valuable information about your subject at hand.
Score: 25/30
Step 3: Introduction (4 pages)
Criteria
Points possible
Provides a strong rationale for the purpose of the study
8/10
Articulates contributions the study will make to the field of psychology
5/6
Statement of the problem is clear and concise
5/6
Includes purpose of the study
3/4
Submission was proofread with no grammatical or APA formatting errors
4/5
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE:
25/30
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