Impact of Self-Hypnosis in Women on Select Physiologic and Psychological Parameters

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

3-2010

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing

Source ISSN

1552-6909

Abstract

Objective

To examine physiologic and psychologic effects of hypnosis in healthy women.

Design

Quasi-experimental, within-subject, repeated measures.

Setting

Private laboratory setting in an urban Midwestern College of Nursing.

Participants

Convenience sample of 30 healthy, female volunteers who were nonpregnant, predominantly White, college students.

Method

Participants listened to a 30-minute recording of relaxing, affirming hypnotic suggestions while sitting comfortably in a recliner. Hypnotizability and trait anxiety were measured at baseline. Tension-anxiety was measured at baseline and following the hypnotic induction. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability were collected before, during, and following the hypnotic experience.

Results

Paired t tests revealed significantly reduced heart rate (ppppp

Conclusions

Hypnosis is an innovative, low-technology, self-modulated approach that may contribute to stress reduction and health promotion. Parameters demonstrated increased parasympathetic nervous system activity associated with relaxation during and immediately after the hypnosis experience. Findings from this study suggest that nurses can include hypnosis information when advising healthy women about available stress reduction approaches, as well as tailor their nursing care for women who present using this alternative approach.

Comments

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, Vol. 39, No. 2 (March-April 2010): 159-168. DOI.

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