Group hypnotherapy versus group relaxation for smoking cessation: an RCT study protocol
Maria Dickson-Spillmann1, Thomas Kraemer, Kristina Rust
1Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, Zurich, Switzerland. maria.dickson@isgf.uzh.ch
BMC Public Health
|April 6, 2012
Summary
This randomized controlled trial investigates group hypnosis for smoking cessation, comparing its effectiveness against group relaxation. Findings will clarify hypnosis
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Medicine
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Many smokers desire to quit but are hesitant to use pharmacological aids.
- Alternative cessation methods are sought, with hypnosis having a historical reputation.
- Scientific evidence for hypnosis in smoking cessation remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of group hypnosis for smoking cessation.
- To compare group hypnosis with group relaxation in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
- To assess long-term smoking status, psychological symptoms, and physiological markers.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving at least 220 participants.
- Comparison of a single session of group hypnosis versus group relaxation.
- Interventions include motivational interviewing, induced relaxation states, and tailored suggestions; outcomes assessed via questionnaires and cotinine levels at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 months.
Main Results:
- This section is to be filled upon study completion.
- This section is to be filled upon study completion.
- This section is to be filled upon study completion.
Conclusions:
- This RCT is the first to directly compare group hypnosis and group relaxation for smoking cessation.
- Further discussion will address the standardization of hypnotic interventions, participant debriefing, group dynamics, and dropout reasons.