Mindful Hypnotherapy Intervention for Well-Being in Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a mindful hypnotherapy intervention (MHI) integrating positive psychology suggestions to enhance well-being in older adults. Sixty-two community-dwelling adults aged 60-95 years were randomized to MHI, non-hypnotic relaxation, or wait-list control. The four-session intervention combined hypnotic induction, guided imagery, and suggestions targeting gratitude, savoring, self-compassion, acceptance, positive relationships, hope, and optimism, followed by post-hypnotic cues to support self-practice. Outcomes included happiness, life satisfaction, affect balance, and psychological distress; semi-structured interviews explored participants' subjective experiences. A multivariate analysis controlling for baseline scores revealed a significant overall treatment effect, F(8, 104) = 2.88, p = .006, partial η² = .18. Compared with controls, MHI participants reported higher happiness, life satisfaction, and affect balance, and lower distress. Qualitative findings indicated increased calmness, gratitude, emotional regulation, and perceived interpersonal benefits. The findings provide preliminary support for hypnosis as a potential medium for delivering strengths-based psychological content associated with resilience and well-being. The MHI demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary benefits, supporting further investigation in larger, more rigorously controlled trials.