MAY 2002, VOLUME 30, NUMBER 1, Abstract 1
The Effectiveness of a Hypnotic Ego-Strengthening Procedure for Improving Self-Esteem and Depression
Nicole E. Lavertue, V. K. Kumar, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Ronald. J. Pekala, Coatesville VA Medical Center
The study examined the effectiveness of an ego-strengthening hypnosis (ES) in improving state self-esteem (State Self Esteem Scale, SSES) and reducing depression score (BDI-II). Participants receiving the ES procedure were compared with a control group receiving a progressive relaxation (PR) procedure. In week one, groups of participants completed the SSES, Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability scale, BDI-II, and Therapeutic Reactance Scale (TRS), and then received either the PR or the ES protocols. The Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) was completed in reference to each of the protocols. In week two, after completing the SSES and the BDI-II, all subjects experienced the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility (HGSHS:A). The PCI was also completed in reference to the HGSHS:A. On the average, the participants reported improvement in both self-esteem and depression in both the ES and PR conditions. Other results suggest that while the high hypnotizable subjects (based on the HGSHS:A) benefited more from the hypnotic procedure, the lows benefited more from progressive relaxation.