The Experience of Women in a Phase II Trial of Hypnosis and Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Body Image: Exploring Possible Mechanisms

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore potential mechanisms of two interventions, hypnosis and progressive muscle relaxation to nature sounds (PMR), to improve body image in a randomized phase II trial. Participant comments were explored in an unplanned qualitative analysis.Methods:This qualitative study employed thematic analysis, a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding. We analyzed participant feedback given at any point during the 6-week intervention. Results:In the parent study 87 women were randomized in a 2:1 fashion, 59 to hypnosis and 28 to PMR. Sixty-three of the 87 women participating (72%) were motivated to write comments elaborating on their study experience. Thematic analysis generated five themes, including: relaxation and stress management, mind-body connection, improved mood, sleep, and sexual health. Four of the themes were represented in both groups while sexual health was only represented in the hypnosis group. Conclusions: This analysis suggests that both hypnosis and PMR may improve body image through the ability to relax and manage stress, sleep better, improve mood and create a mind-body connection. Sexual health emerged as an important theme among participants in the hypnosis group, but not the PMR group. Hypnosis, due to the hypnotic suggestions for sexual health, may have a positive impact on sexual health specifically. Improving body image alone may not have profound effects on the broader concept of sexual health. More research is needed.