The Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy Versus Mindfulness Meditation on Headache Outcomes and Stress in Adults with Tension-Type Headache: An Experimental Study
Dr. Priyanka Rathore, Dr. Hunita Dhanju
International Journal of Research and Review October 4, 2026 DOI: 10.52403/ijrr.20261002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Adults with tension-type headache meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria |
| Interventions | Hypnotherapy Mindfulness meditation |
| Measures | headache diary, HIT-6, PSS-10 |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Both hypnotherapy and mindfulness meditation significantly reduced headache outcomes and stress in adults with tension-type headache, but hypnotherapy outperformed mindfulness meditation, showing more pronounced therapeutic benefits across all parameters. |
Abstract
Background : Tension type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent headache disorders and is commonly associated with increased stress, reduced functional ability, and impaired quality of life. Non- pharmacology interventions targeting mind-body connection, such as hypnotherapy and mindfulness meditation, have gained attention as effective management strategies. however, limited research directly compares their effectiveness in individuals with TTH.
Objective: to compare the effect of hypnotherapy versus mindfulness meditation on headache outcomes and stress using headache diary, HIT-6 and PSS-10 in adults with tension type headache.
Method: according to purposive sampling 40 individuals meeting inclusion exclusion criteria were enrolled and randomly divided in group A and B.
Results: Paired T-test was used for within and unpaired T-test for between group analysis, showed significance difference in.
Conclusion: Both interventions showed significant reduction in all parameters; however, hypnotherapy had out performed mindfulness meditation showing more pronounced therapeutic benefits. Keywords: Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness meditation, Tension-type Headache, Mind-body intervention, Stress
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
Cites 7
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines November 15, 2024
- Direct comparisons between hypnosis and meditation: A mini-review. Frontiers in Psychology July 15, 2022
- The effectiveness of mindfulness as a complementary therapy in headache patients: a preliminary interventional study Confinia Cephalalgica December 16, 2025
- Efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention for the treatment of chronic headaches: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Medicine and Surgery June 2022
and 2 more in the library