Positive effects of medical hypnosis on test anxiety in first year medical students

Abstract

ABSTRACT Test anxiety of 625 medical students was assessed at semester start and two days prior to two oral exams with the PAF questionnaire [Prüfungsangstfragebogen]. Global and subscale scores for the categories emotionality, worry, interference, and lack of confidence were obtained at three time points. The first assessment was used to identify those participants (n = 104) who showed the highest PAF scores. Medical hypnosis against test anxiety was performed with one half ten days before the first exam. The other half served as a matched, untreated control group. The mean global PAF scores and the emotionality and lack of confidence scores showed a statistically significant reduction from assessment to assessment within the hypnosis group, but not in the control group. Interference increased significantly in the control group but not in the hypnosis group. In conclusion, medical hypnosis seems to be beneficial and effective in helping students reduce test anxiety.