Work

Effect of Mindful Hypnotherapy on Psychological Distress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Mindful hypnotherapy is an intervention that integrates hypnotic induction and direct suggestions (hypnosis) to increase mindfulness and reduce distress. In the present study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the effects of mindful hypnotherapy on psychological distress and mindfulness in adults. Further, the study evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. A total of five publications of randomized controlled trials were identified. This meta-analysis found that, when compared to both waitlist and active control groups, mindful hypnotherapy had a large effect on the reduction in psychological distress (Hedges’ g = 0.61, 95% CI [0.10, 1.12], z = 2.36, p = 0.0188) and stress (Hedges’ g = 0.75, 95% CI [0.34, 1.16]; z = 3.58, p = 0.0003). Further, results also found mindful hypnotherapy had a large effect on increasing mindfulness (Hedges’ g = 1.38, SE = 0.28; 95% CI [0.83, 1.92]; z = 4.9146, p < 0.001). Recommendations include conducting research examining mindful hypnotherapy in a wider range of clinical problems (i.e., generalized anxiety disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress). In addition, clinical trials of mindful hypnotherapy should include active controls and measures of hypnotizability. Further research is also needed with diverse populations.

Source: Behavioral Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/bs16010107

Authors: Victor Julián Padilla, Vanessa Muñiz, Katherine Scheffrahn, Gary Elkins

Institution: Baylor University

Language: English

Topic: Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654