Trial Outcomes & Findings for Ericksonian Hypnosis Versus CBT for Prolonged Grief (NCT NCT06398886)
NCT ID: NCT06398886
Last Updated: 2025-03-25
Results Overview
The Prolonged Grief Scale (PGS) was used to measure the intensity of grief-related symptoms at baseline. The PGS consists of 13 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (overwhelmingly). Total scores range from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating greater intensity of prolonged grief symptoms. This scale has demonstrated reliability and validity in assessing grief severity among diverse populations Number of Items: The scale consists of 13 items. Scoring for Each Item: Each item is rated on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (overwhelmingly). Minimum Score: The minimum possible score on the PG-13 is 0, indicating no symptoms of prolonged grief. Maximum Score: The maximum possible score is 52, indicating severe symptoms of prolonged grief.
Recruitment status
COMPLETED
Study phase
NA
Target enrollment
39 participants
Primary outcome timeframe
Data were collected at baseline, midpoint (4 weeks), and post-intervention (8 weeks
Results posted on
2025-03-25
Participant Flow
150 university students were recruited through campus advertisements and social media, targeting individuals who had experienced significant loss and exhibited symptoms of prolonged grief. Interested students completed an initial online screening, which included the Symptom Checklist-90 and a sociodemographic form. Of these, 39 met the inclusion criteria, while 111 were excluded due to factors such as ongoing psychological treatment, major psychiatric conditions, or scheduling conflicts.
Participant milestones
| Measure |
Ericksonian Hypnosis Group
Ericksonian hypnotherapy provided an alternative approach, with 8 sessions designed to harness the power of indirect suggestion, metaphors, and personal storytelling to navigate the complexities of prolonged grief. Early sessions focused on establishing a therapeutic alliance and utilizing personal strengths and inner resources. Techniques such as guided imagery were used to facilitate a healthy connection with the symptoms, fostering a sense of peace and acceptance. Subsequent sessions aimed to reframe the loss, integrating it into the individual's life narrative in a way that honored the past while promoting openness to future possibilities. This approach sought to cultivate a sense of personal growth and resilience, emphasizing the individual's capacity to find meaning and continue moving forward.
|
Waiting List (Control)
No intervention has been provided for this group.
Ericksonian Hypnosis: The Ericksonian hypnosis intervention was designed to create a nurturing and therapeutic setting, specifically tailored to the unique challenges of prolonged grief faced by university students. This approach focused on accessing the subconscious, using symbolic and imaginative techniques to facilitate change. The goal was to alleviate the emotional pain associated with prolonged grief and to empower students to adapt more effectively to their loss. This intervention highlighted the transformative potential of Ericksonian methods in addressing deep-seated emotional issues through gentle and indirect therapeutic modalities.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The CBT intervention aimed to provide a supportive and healing environment, addressing the specific challenges of prolonged grief within a university student population. The focus was on developing concrete skills to manage the cognitive and behavioral aspects of grief. This approach sought to mitigate the pain of prolonged grief and empower students to adapt more healthily to their loss, emphasizing practical strategies for change and coping. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in exercises that challenged their thought patterns and promoted behavioral adjustments tailored to their individual needs.
|
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention for prolonged grief was carefully structured into an 8-session manualized program, tailored to address the multifaceted nature of grief among university students. Initially, participants were introduced to the CBT model of grief, focusing on understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the context of their loss. Key components included identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts related to the loss, employing gradual exposure to avoided situations, and developing coping strategies for managing intense emotions and fostering resilience. Special emphasis was placed on rebuilding meaningful life activities and social connections, acknowledging the loss while encouraging engagement with life's ongoing demands.
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Overall Study
STARTED
|
13
|
13
|
13
|
|
Overall Study
COMPLETED
|
13
|
13
|
13
|
|
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Reasons for withdrawal
Withdrawal data not reported
Baseline Characteristics
Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.
Baseline characteristics by cohort
| Measure |
Ericksonian Hypnosis Group
n=13 Participants
Ericksonian hypnotherapy provided an alternative approach, with 8 sessions designed to harness the power of indirect suggestion, metaphors, and personal storytelling to navigate the complexities of prolonged grief. Early sessions focused on establishing a therapeutic alliance and utilizing personal strengths and inner resources. Techniques such as guided imagery were used to facilitate a healthy connection with the symptoms, fostering a sense of peace and acceptance. Subsequent sessions aimed to reframe the loss, integrating it into the individual's life narrative in a way that honored the past while promoting openness to future possibilities. This approach sought to cultivate a sense of personal growth and resilience, emphasizing the individual's capacity to find meaning and continue moving forward.
|
Waiting List (Control)
n=13 Participants
No intervention has been provided for this group.
|
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
n=13 Participants
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention for prolonged grief was carefully structured into an 8-session manualized program, tailored to address the multifaceted nature of grief among university students. Initially, participants were introduced to the CBT model of grief, focusing on understanding the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the context of their loss. Key components included identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts related to the loss, employing gradual exposure to avoided situations, and developing coping strategies for managing intense emotions and fostering resilience. Special emphasis was placed on rebuilding meaningful life activities and social connections, acknowledging the loss while encouraging engagement with life's ongoing demands.
|
Total
n=39 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
|
0 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 Participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
|
13 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
13 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
13 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
39 Participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
|
0 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 Participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Age, Continuous
|
21.04 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.15 • n=13 Participants
|
21.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.17 • n=13 Participants
|
20.8 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.18 • n=13 Participants
|
21.03 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.16 • n=39 Participants
|
|
Sex: Female, Male
Female
|
9 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
10 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
10 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
29 Participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Sex: Female, Male
Male
|
4 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
3 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
3 Participants
n=13 Participants
|
10 Participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
0 Participants
Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.
|
|
Region of Enrollment
Turkey
|
7 participants
n=13 Participants
|
9 participants
n=13 Participants
|
11 participants
n=13 Participants
|
27 participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Region of Enrollment
Iran
|
2 participants
n=13 Participants
|
2 participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 participants
n=13 Participants
|
4 participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Region of Enrollment
Egypt
|
1 participants
n=13 Participants
|
1 participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 participants
n=13 Participants
|
2 participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Region of Enrollment
Azerbaijan
|
2 participants
n=13 Participants
|
1 participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 participants
n=13 Participants
|
3 participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Region of Enrollment
Uzbekistan
|
1 participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 participants
n=13 Participants
|
1 participants
n=13 Participants
|
2 participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Region of Enrollment
Iraq
|
0 participants
n=13 Participants
|
0 participants
n=13 Participants
|
1 participants
n=13 Participants
|
1 participants
n=39 Participants
|
|
Baseline PGS Scores
|
34 Points
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7 • n=13 Participants
|
21 Points
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10 • n=13 Participants
|
24 Points
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7 • n=13 Participants
|
26.33 Points
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.43 • n=39 Participants
|
PRIMARY outcome
Timeframe: Data were collected at baseline, midpoint (4 weeks), and post-intervention (8 weeksPopulation: All 39 participants completed the study. Data analysis was performed using the Prolonged Grief Scale scores collected at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention
The Prolonged Grief Scale (PGS) was used to measure the intensity of grief-related symptoms at baseline. The PGS consists of 13 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (overwhelmingly). Total scores range from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating greater intensity of prolonged grief symptoms. This scale has demonstrated reliability and validity in assessing grief severity among diverse populations Number of Items: The scale consists of 13 items. Scoring for Each Item: Each item is rated on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (overwhelmingly). Minimum Score: The minimum possible score on the PG-13 is 0, indicating no symptoms of prolonged grief. Maximum Score: The maximum possible score is 52, indicating severe symptoms of prolonged grief.
Outcome measures
| Measure |
Ericksonian Hypnosis Group
n=13 Participants
Ericksonian hypnotherapy provided an alternative approach, with 8 sessions designed to harness the power of indirect suggestion, metaphors, and personal storytelling to navigate the complexities of prolonged grief. Early sessions focused on establishing a therapeutic alliance and utilizing personal strengths and inner resources. Techniques such as guided imagery were used to facilitate a healthy connection with the symptoms, fostering a sense of peace and acceptance. Subsequent sessions aimed to reframe the loss, integrating it into the individual's life narrative in a way that honored the past while promoting openness to future possibilities. This approach sought to cultivate a sense of personal growth and resilience, emphasizing the individual's capacity to find meaning and continue moving forward.
Ericksonian Hypnosis: The Ericksonian hypnosis intervention was designed to create a nurturing and therapeutic setting, specifically tailored to the unique challenges of prolonged grief faced by university students. This approach focused on accessing the subconscious, using symbolic and imaginative techniques to facilitate change. The goal was to alleviate the emotional pain associated with prolonged grief and to empower students to adapt more effectively to their loss. This intervention highlighted the transformative potential of Ericksonian methods in addressing deep-seated emotional issues through gentle and indirect therapeutic modalities.
|
Waiting List (Control)
n=13 Participants
No intervention has been provided for this group.
Ericksonian Hypnosis: The Ericksonian hypnosis intervention was designed to create a nurturing and therapeutic setting, specifically tailored to the unique challenges of prolonged grief faced by university students. This approach focused on accessing the subconscious, using symbolic and imaginative techniques to facilitate change. The goal was to alleviate the emotional pain associated with prolonged grief and to empower students to adapt more effectively to their loss. This intervention highlighted the transformative potential of Ericksonian methods in addressing deep-seated emotional issues through gentle and indirect therapeutic modalities.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The CBT intervention aimed to provide a supportive and healing environment, addressing the specific challenges of prolonged grief within a university student population. The focus was on developing concrete skills to manage the cognitive and behavioral aspects of grief. This approach sought to mitigate the pain of prolonged grief and empower students to adapt more healthily to their loss, emphasizing practical strategies for change and coping. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in exercises that challenged their thought patterns and promoted behavioral adjustments tailored to their individual needs.
|
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
n=13 Participants
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The CBT intervention aimed to provide a supportive and healing environment, addressing the specific challenges of prolonged grief within a university student population. The focus was on developing concrete skills to manage the cognitive and behavioral aspects of grief. This approach sought to mitigate the pain of prolonged grief and empower students to adapt more healthily to their loss, emphasizing practical strategies for change and coping. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in exercises that challenged their thought patterns and promoted behavioral adjustments tailored to their individual needs.
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Prolonged Grief Scale
Baseline
|
34 points
Standard Deviation 7
|
21 points
Standard Deviation 10
|
24 points
Standard Deviation 7
|
|
Prolonged Grief Scale
Midpoint
|
26 points
Standard Deviation 11.55
|
19 points
Standard Deviation 8.49
|
18 points
Standard Deviation 10.77
|
|
Prolonged Grief Scale
Post-Intervention
|
13 points
Standard Deviation 11.55
|
17 points
Standard Deviation 8.49
|
12 points
Standard Deviation 10.77
|
PRIMARY outcome
Timeframe: 8 weeksPopulation: All 39 participants completed the study. BDI-II scores were collected at baseline, midpoint (4 weeks), and post-intervention (8 weeks) from all participants.
Number of Items: The BDI-II consists of 21 items. Scoring for Each Item: Each item has a set of four statements that are scored on a scale from 0 to 3, reflecting increasing severity of a specific symptom. Minimum Score: The minimum possible score on the BDI-II is 0, which would indicate no reported symptoms of depression. Maximum Score: The maximum possible score is 63, reflecting severe depression. The total score is interpreted as follows: 0-13: Minimal depression 14-19: Mild depression 20-28: Moderate depression 29-63: Severe depression
Outcome measures
| Measure |
Ericksonian Hypnosis Group
n=13 Participants
Ericksonian hypnotherapy provided an alternative approach, with 8 sessions designed to harness the power of indirect suggestion, metaphors, and personal storytelling to navigate the complexities of prolonged grief. Early sessions focused on establishing a therapeutic alliance and utilizing personal strengths and inner resources. Techniques such as guided imagery were used to facilitate a healthy connection with the symptoms, fostering a sense of peace and acceptance. Subsequent sessions aimed to reframe the loss, integrating it into the individual's life narrative in a way that honored the past while promoting openness to future possibilities. This approach sought to cultivate a sense of personal growth and resilience, emphasizing the individual's capacity to find meaning and continue moving forward.
Ericksonian Hypnosis: The Ericksonian hypnosis intervention was designed to create a nurturing and therapeutic setting, specifically tailored to the unique challenges of prolonged grief faced by university students. This approach focused on accessing the subconscious, using symbolic and imaginative techniques to facilitate change. The goal was to alleviate the emotional pain associated with prolonged grief and to empower students to adapt more effectively to their loss. This intervention highlighted the transformative potential of Ericksonian methods in addressing deep-seated emotional issues through gentle and indirect therapeutic modalities.
|
Waiting List (Control)
n=13 Participants
No intervention has been provided for this group.
Ericksonian Hypnosis: The Ericksonian hypnosis intervention was designed to create a nurturing and therapeutic setting, specifically tailored to the unique challenges of prolonged grief faced by university students. This approach focused on accessing the subconscious, using symbolic and imaginative techniques to facilitate change. The goal was to alleviate the emotional pain associated with prolonged grief and to empower students to adapt more effectively to their loss. This intervention highlighted the transformative potential of Ericksonian methods in addressing deep-seated emotional issues through gentle and indirect therapeutic modalities.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The CBT intervention aimed to provide a supportive and healing environment, addressing the specific challenges of prolonged grief within a university student population. The focus was on developing concrete skills to manage the cognitive and behavioral aspects of grief. This approach sought to mitigate the pain of prolonged grief and empower students to adapt more healthily to their loss, emphasizing practical strategies for change and coping. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in exercises that challenged their thought patterns and promoted behavioral adjustments tailored to their individual needs.
|
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
n=13 Participants
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The CBT intervention aimed to provide a supportive and healing environment, addressing the specific challenges of prolonged grief within a university student population. The focus was on developing concrete skills to manage the cognitive and behavioral aspects of grief. This approach sought to mitigate the pain of prolonged grief and empower students to adapt more healthily to their loss, emphasizing practical strategies for change and coping. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in exercises that challenged their thought patterns and promoted behavioral adjustments tailored to their individual needs.
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beck Depression Inventory
Baseline
|
38.15 points
Standard Deviation 11.22
|
25.54 points
Standard Deviation 12.31
|
21.38 points
Standard Deviation 8.89
|
|
Beck Depression Inventory
4 weeks
|
33 points
Standard Deviation 9.93
|
24.62 points
Standard Deviation 11.83
|
16.77 points
Standard Deviation 6.58
|
|
Beck Depression Inventory
8 weeks
|
26.08 points
Standard Deviation 9.82
|
25.69 points
Standard Deviation 12.34
|
13.23 points
Standard Deviation 6.31
|
Adverse Events
Waiting List (Control)
Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths
Ericksonian Hypnosis Group
Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths
Serious adverse events
Adverse event data not reported
Other adverse events
Adverse event data not reported
Additional Information
Results disclosure agreements
- Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
- Publication restrictions are in place