Transformative Power of Hypnosis: Breaking Myth and Implications for Stress Relief Application

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Research Organization:
Hypnosis Institute
– Hong Kong Chapter of AIM

Division of Research Organization:
AIM Greater China Psychology Research Group

List of Fellows (Alphabetical order):
Charles LEUNG
Chun Yu Patrick HUI
Ka Yiu YEUNG
LUI Wing Derby
Mei Po LAU
YANG Yan Kim Ning

Research Release Date:
February 10, 2025

Abstract
Can hypnosis effectively mitigate stress? To investigate this question, a study was conducted in mid-2024 in Hong Kong. The results affirmatively suggest that even a single session of hypnosis can significantly reduce stress. Participants’ self-reported stress levels,decreased markedly from a mean of 3.75 to 2.6 following the intervention. This reduction shows the deep relaxation and focused attention facilitated by hypnosis could promote stress release and improve emotional regulation.
Beyond stress reduction, participants exhibited a significant positive shift in their attitudes towards hypnosis, with ATH score increasing from a mean of 60.48 to 65.69 and self-rated impression score improving from 3.98 to 4.44 with statistical significance. This change indicates enhanced acceptance to hypnosis as intervention and hence a better emotional management.
Addressing concerns about the disclosure of personal information during hypnosis, the study demonstrated that a substantial majority (78.8%) of participants maintained confidentiality. Specifically, 37 participants remained entirely silent, 4 provided fabricated information, only 5 fully disclosed and 6 revealed it partially. These findings suggest that individuals retain a significant degree of control over information disclosure while under hypnosis.
This study is challenging common misconceptions about hypnosis. It demonstrated that hypnosis is not required to be conducted in a dark environment or lying down. Participants could reduce stress even by sitting upright on an ordinary chair without any light dimming needed. The session included four minutes of rehearsal and twenty-one minutes of formal hypnosis in a voluntary and comfortable way.
Further findings suggest that younger participants have experienced greater improvements in both stress reduction and impression towards hypnosis after the session when comparing to their older counterparts. Reduction in the reported intensity of negative feelings, including anxiety, fear and embarrassment, were observed in both groups.