Hypnosis as an effective adjunct treatment of female obesity, 2004
Schneider, Judy W.
2000-2009
This study examines the problem of female obesity in the United States. A woman who has a Body Mass Index of 30 or above is considered to be obese and this applies to over 50 percent of American women. Both physical and psychological consequences of obesity were considered. The study also examines current treatments available for the treatment of obesity and looks at the possibility that hypnosis may be an effective adjunct treatment. The study was based on the premise that hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness in which certain normal human capabilities are heightened while others fell into the background. It is a state of relaxation during which subjects are able to experience an elevated ability to focus and concentrate. Cognitive and behavioral weight loss ideas may be suggested to the subject while in a state of hypnosis and this may facilitate the ability to follow the suggestions. Subjects were divided into two groups. One group heard only weight loss suggestions, the other group heard the suggestions while hypnotized. The amount or weight lost by each group was computed and the mean number of pounds lost was derived. A t test was used to analyze the data. The researcher found that the hypnotized group lost significantly more weight than the control group. The conclusion drawn from the findings suggest that hypnosis may be an effective adjunct in the treatment of female obesity.
text
application/pdf
2004-05-01
dissertation
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Clark Atlanta University
Counseling and Psychological Services
Fletcher, Teresa
Georgia--Atlanta
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/cau.td:2004_schneider_judy_w
