Effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy Versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Prolonged Grief Among University Students: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

This study evaluates the comparative effectiveness of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in addressing prolonged grief among university students in Istanbul. Transitioning through critical developmental phases, 39 students who had experienced significant loss and demonstrated symptoms of prolonged grief participated in this randomized controlled trial. They were divided equally into three groups: those receiving EH, those undergoing CBT, and a control group placed on a waiting list. Assessments utilized the Prolonged Grief Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory to measure the interventions' impact on grief. Findings revealed significant improvements in both EH and CBT groups compared to the control, with EH showing marginally higher effectiveness in reducing grief symptoms. This research underlines EH's potential as a culturally adaptable and effective treatment for prolonged grief in a diverse academic setting, advocating for its broader application and further exploration across various populations.