Teaching hypnosis in British psychology departments: a 10‐year follow‐up

Abstract

AbstractAn eight‐item questionnaire asking about the extent and nature of hypnosis teaching and research was sent to 65 British university psychology departments as a follow‐up to a previous survey conducted in 1984. Forty‐seven questionnaires were returned (72%). In some cases, the questionnaire was completed by the Head of Department, to whom they were addressed, and in others by a specialist member of staff. Results showed no overall change over the 10‐year period in the amount of hypnosis teaching or research. About one‐third of departments reported teaching hypnosis, but this usually consisted only of an occasional lecture or seminar. As before, few departments offered students any opportunity for practical work in the subject, with some notable exceptions. Only 11 departments reported research in hypnosis. However, attitudes towards hypnosis teaching and research remained very positive, with over 80% of returns asserting that hypnosis was a suitable subject for teaching and research. The benefits and problems associated with teaching hypnosis to students are identified and discussed. One major benefit is the high level of student interest in the subject. Problems include the misconceptions of ethical committees about the subject and the absence of further training and career opportunities in clinical hypnosis for psychology graduates. Copyright © 1996 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis