Preferences for hypnotic imagery for hot-flash reduction: a brief communication.
The purpose of this brief report is to identify imagery preferences of women receiving hypnotherapy to alleviate hot flashes. As part of a larger study, 51 breast cancer survivors were asked to identify their own personal preferences for imagery for reducing hot flashes. Most of the participants identified personal imagery associated with coolness; none of the participants selected imagery for warmth or heat. The most widely used was imagery involving water associated with coolness (27.0%). It is recommended that clinicians using hypnosis for reduction of hot flashes attend to patients' preferences as specific imagery may moderate the effectiveness of hypnosis for hot flashes.
Elkins
Gary
G
Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798, USA. Gary_Elkins@baylor.edu
Marcus
Joel
J
Bunn
Jennifer
J
Perfect
Michelle
M
Palamara
Lynn
L
Stearns
Vered
V
Dove
Jacqueline
J
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis / Q000379:methods*; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology