Characteristics, beliefs, practices and demographic descriptors of clinicians using hypnosis

Abstract

A national survey questionnaire was sent to 400 randomly selected members of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) for the purpose of determining the characteristics, beliefs, therapy practices and certain demographic descriptors of clinicians currently using hypnosis. A second purpose of the study was to compare the three groups of professionals (physicians, dentists and psychologists) that comprise the membership of ASCH on specific variable regarding their beliefs and uses of hypnosis. A two-part questionnaire was developed by the investigator. Part I included all pertinent demographic data and information about the respondent, i.e., age sex, highest earned degree and specialty, as well as question concerning nature and setting of the clinician's practice, use of hypnosis, number of patients treated both with and without hypnosis, theoretical orientation, training, research and publication, and practices and phenomena in hypnosis. Part II consisted of questions designed to collect data regarding clinicians' beliefs and options on controversial topic areas in hypnosis. The questionnaire reflected the current issues, theoretical positions and applications found in the literature. The questionnaire materials were sent to the original sample with a follow-up mailing sent to 117 non-respondents three weeks later. Response rate based on deliverable questionnaires was 47 percent. This resulted in a return of n = 89 for physicians, n = 37 for dentists and n = 50 for psychologists. Data were tabulated and the three groups compared for statistical significance at the .05 level using chi square, analysis of variance and Scheffe's procedure. Results indicated a significant difference among the three groups with regard to age, number of patients treated per week and uses of hypnosis in treatment, as well as other specific variable. Each group tended to use hypnosis within their own discipline areas, however, some cross-over was noted. The beliefs and practices regarding hypnosis of all three groups tended to be consistent with the current state of the art. Respondents were also asked to provide statements concerning the directions for future research in hypnosis. Limitations of the study were discussed and suggestion for future research made.