Ericksonian Hypnosis Versus CBT for Prolonged Grief

Summary

Effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy Versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Prolonged Grief Among University Students in Istanbul: A Randomized None-clinical Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial explores the efficacy of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in mitigating symptoms of prolonged grief among university students in Istanbul. With a backdrop of transitional academic and socio-emotional challenges, 39 students who experienced significant loss and exhibited symptoms of prolonged grief were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to undergo Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, CBT, or placed on a waiting list (control group), each with 13 individuals. The study uniquely positions itself in Istanbul, leveraging the city's cultural context to examine grief processing in an urban, academically engaged population. Utilizing the Prolonged Grief Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and SCL-90 Symptom Checklist for assessment, the interventions were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing grief and associated psychological symptoms.

Conditions

• Prolonged Grief Symptoms

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Ericksonian Hypnosis

The Ericksonian hypnosis intervention was designed to create a nurturing and therapeutic setting, specifically tailored to the unique challenges of prolonged grief faced by university students. This approach focused on accessing the subconscious, using symbolic and imaginative techniques to facilitate change. The goal was to alleviate the emotional pain associated with prolonged grief and to empower students to adapt more effectively to their loss. This intervention highlighted the transformative potential of Ericksonian methods in addressing deep-seated emotional issues through gentle and indirect therapeutic modalities.

BEHAVIORAL

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The CBT intervention aimed to provide a supportive and healing environment, addressing the specific challenges of prolonged grief within a university student population. The focus was on developing concrete skills to manage the cognitive and behavioral aspects of grief. This approach sought to mitigate the pain of prolonged grief and empower students to adapt more healthily to their loss, emphasizing practical strategies for change and coping. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in exercises that challenged their thought patterns and promoted behavioral adjustments tailored to their individual needs.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Nisantasi University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Metin Çınaroğlu, phd · Assistant Professor in Psychology department

• Eda Yılmazer, phd · Assistant Professor in Psychology Department

• Fadime Çınar, phd · Associated Professor and head of faculty of health sciences

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-09-04

Primary Completion

2024-03-24

Completion

2024-04-15

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations