Ericksonian Hypnosis Versus CBT for Prolonged Grief

NCT06398886 | Completed Results DMC

• 1 other identifier: Nisantasi-Hypnosis
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 39
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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

Keywords

Prolonged Grief; Ericksonian Hypnosis; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Prolonged Grief Scale

  The Prolonged Grief Scale (PGS) was used to measure the intensity of grief-related symptoms at baseline. The PGS consists of 13 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (overwhelmingly). Total scores range from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating greater intensity of prolonged grief symptoms. This scale has demonstrated reliability and validity in assessing grief severity among diverse populations Number of Items: The scale consists of 13 items. Scoring for Each Item: Each item is rated on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (overwhelmingly). Minimum Score: The minimum possible score on the PG-13 is 0, indicating no symptoms of prolonged grief. Maximum Score: The maximum possible score is 52, indicating severe symptoms of prolonged grief.

  Data were collected at baseline, midpoint (4 weeks), and post-intervention (8 weeks

• Beck Depression Inventory

  Number of Items: The BDI-II consists of 21 items. Scoring for Each Item: Each item has a set of four statements that are scored on a scale from 0 to 3, reflecting increasing severity of a specific symptom. Minimum Score: The minimum possible score on the BDI-II is 0, which would indicate no reported symptoms of depression. Maximum Score: The maximum possible score is 63, reflecting severe depression. The total score is interpreted as follows: 0-13: Minimal depression 14-19: Mild depression 20-28: Moderate depression 29-63: Severe depression

  8 weeks

Study Arms (3)

Ericksonian Hypnosis Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Ericksonian hypnotherapy provided an alternative approach, with 8 sessions designed to harness the power of indirect suggestion, metaphors, and personal storytelling to navigate the complexities of prolonged grief. Early sessions focused on establishing a therapeutic alliance and utilizing personal strengths and inner resources. Techniques such as guided imagery were used to facilitate a healthy connection with the symptoms, fostering a sense of peace and acceptance. Subsequent sessions aimed to reframe the loss, integrating it into the individual's life narrative in a way that honored the past while promoting openness to future possibilities. This approach sought to cultivate a sense of personal growth and resilience, emphasizing the individual's capacity to find meaning and continue moving forward.

Behavioral: Ericksonian Hypnosis; Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Waiting List (Control)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

No intervention has been provided for this group.

Behavioral: Ericksonian Hypnosis; Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention for prolonged grief was carefully structured into an 8-session manualized program, tailored to address the multifaceted nature of grief among university students. Initially, participants were introduced to the CBT model of grief, focusing on understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the context of their loss. Key components included identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts related to the loss, employing gradual exposure to avoided situations, and developing coping strategies for managing intense emotions and fostering resilience. Special emphasis was placed on rebuilding meaningful life activities and social connections, acknowledging the loss while encouraging engagement with life's ongoing demands.

Behavioral: Ericksonian Hypnosis; Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Interventions

Ericksonian Hypnosis BEHAVIORAL

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.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Ericksonian Hypnosis Group; Waiting List (Control)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy BEHAVIORAL

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.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Ericksonian Hypnosis Group; Waiting List (Control)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age Range: Participants must be aged between 18 and 35 years.
• Loss Experience: Participants should have experienced the loss of someone significant.
• Grief Intensity: Participants must score 25 or above on the Prolonged Grief Scale (PG-13).
• Psychological Health: Participants should not exhibit other psychopathological symptoms, apart from those associated with grief, as measured by the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90).
• Commitment to Participation: Participants must be able and willing to attend all 8 full sessions.

You may not qualify if:

• Age Limitations: Individuals under 18 or older than 35 years are excluded.
• Psychiatric Health: Individuals with any psychiatric diagnosis or those who have been on psychiatric medication within the last year are excluded.
• Availability: Individuals who cannot commit to attending all 8 sessions are excluded.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Nisantasi University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Metin Çınaroğlu

Arnavutköy, Istanbul, 34277, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior Therapy; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities

Results Point of Contact

• Title: Metin Çınaroğlu
• Organization: Istanbul Nisantasi Universitesi

metincinaroglu@gmail.com

009053247320

Study Officials

• Metin Çınaroğlu, phd

  Assistant Professor in Psychology department

  STUDY CHAIR

• Eda Yılmazer, phd

  Assistant Professor in Psychology Department

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Fadime Çınar, phd

  Associated Professor and head of faculty of health sciences

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Publication Agreements

• PI is Sponsor Employee: Yes

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Asistant Professor

Model Details: There have been 3 groups, CBT, Hypnosis and Waiting, each group has 13 participants, CBT and Hypnosis group has taken 8 sessions each and waiting list group took none.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 18, 2024
• First Posted: May 3, 2024
• Study Start: September 4, 2023
• Primary Completion: March 24, 2024
• Study Completion: April 15, 2024
• Last Updated: March 25, 2025
• Results First Posted: March 25, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)