Developing a Hypnotic Relaxation Intervention to Improve Body Image: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Mind-body interventions
• Psychosocial oncology
• Behavioral therapy

Background:

• Cancer diagnosis and treatment often lead to significant body image distress and sexual health challenges.
• Survivors may experience altered body image, impacting self-esteem and quality of life.
• Mind-body therapies offer potential avenues for addressing these psychosocial sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the content, feasibility, and outcomes of a self-directed hypnotic relaxation intervention.
• To target improvements in body image among cancer survivors.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on stress, sexual function, and sexual self-image.

Main Methods:

• A five-week, uncontrolled feasibility study involving 11 female cancer survivors.
• Intervention included face-to-face sessions, home practice, and telephone check-ins.
• Feasibility and content validity were assessed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.

Main Results:

• The intervention content was confirmed as appropriate.
• Participants reported decreased stress from body changes and improved sexual self-schema and function.
• All participants indicated improved body image, with 91% satisfaction with the intervention.

Conclusions:

• Self-directed hypnotic relaxation therapy is a feasible and promising intervention for improving body image in cancer survivors.
• The therapy may also enhance sexual health, suggesting a positive impact on overall quality of life.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger, controlled trials.