Effects of a Brief Mindful Hypnosis Intervention on Stress Reactivity: A Randomized Active Control Study.
Elizabeth E. Slonena, Gary R Elkins
International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 2021 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2021.1952845 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 55 |
| Population | College-aged participants with elevated stress |
| Interventions | Brief mindful hypnosis (BMH) cognitive training (CT) |
| Duration | Approximately 1 week between sessions; daily home practice |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindful hypnosis Randomized controlled trial Relaxation Stress |
| Key findings | BMH produced significant medium effects in reducing stress reactivity and weekly stress and increasing mindfulness, with large increases in immediate relaxation compared to the CT active control. BMH also showed excellent adherence and high satisfaction ratings. The authors state this provides the first empirical support that BMH is superior to an active-control intervention for reducing stress reactivity. |
Abstract
A novel, audio-based brief mindful hypnosis (BMH) intervention for reducing stress-reactivity during the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was investigated. Fifty-five college-aged participants with elevated stress were randomized to BMH or a cognitive training (CT) active-control condition. Participants received a BMH or CT session and downloaded the audio-recorded intervention for daily home practice. Approximately 1 week later, participants received their second BMH or CT session and then completed the TSST. Results indicated BMH produced significant and medium effects in reducing stress reactivity and weekly stress and increasing mindfulness, with large increases in immediate relaxation compared to the CT active control. BMH demonstrated excellent adherence and was rated highly regarding satisfaction, ease of practice, perceived benefit, and likelihood of future use. This study provides the first empirical support that BMH is superior to an active-control intervention for reducing stress reactivity while significantly increasing mindfulness and relaxation.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- The effectiveness of mindful hypnotherapy on difficulties in emotion regulation, mindfulness, and mental health in patients with major depressive disorder. Journal of Education and Health Promotion 2023
- Effect of Mindful Hypnotherapy on Psychological Distress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Behavioral Sciences January 13, 2026
- Mindful Hypnotherapy for Cluster B Personality Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial with an Active Control. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis July 6, 2026
Cites 15
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- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- How long does a mindfulness‐based stress reduction program need to be? A review of class contact hours and effect sizes for psychological distress Journal of Clinical Psychology March 23, 2009
- Effects of Brief and Sham Mindfulness Meditation on Mood and Cardiovascular Variables The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine July 28, 2010
- Examining the Efficacy of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Brief MBSR) Program on Psychological Health Journal of American College Health June 24, 2013
and 10 more in the library