Willingness and Accessibility of a Hypnosis Intervention for Anxiety Among a Low Socioeconomic Status Population

J Integr Complement Med. 2022 Jul;28(7):587-590. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0512. Epub 2022 Apr 18.

Abstract

Objective: This survey study aimed to investigate the willingness and accessibility of a hypnosis intervention for anxiety among low socioeconomic status patients in a primary care setting. Methods: Participants were asked to complete a one-page survey during a scheduled office visit with their primary care provider. Survey questions included participants' interest in hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety, how many sessions they would be willing/able to attend, how they would prefer access to a recorded hypnosis intervention, and items relating to anxiety, including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 measure. Results: Two hundred participants (71.5% female) completed the survey with a mean age of 43.16 (standard deviation = 15.78). Over half (54.6%) of the survey participants reported that they experience anxiety, and 74% of the participants indicated that they would be interested in hypnosis if it were recommended by their provider for anxiety. Discussion: Given the high prevalence of anxiety among survey participants, there exists a clear need for effective and accessible treatment options. These results demonstrate the willingness of individuals to use hypnosis for anxiety and to engage in remote hypnosis interventions.

Keywords: anxiety; hypnosis; low socioeconomic status.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Anxiety* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis* / methods
  • Male
  • Social Class
  • Surveys and Questionnaires