Hypnosis Knowledge, Experience, Attitudes, and Beliefs among South Australian Psychologists, Counselors, and Physiotherapists

Various clinical health settings have benefited from the implementation of hypnosis, particularly when used in conjunction with other forms of therapy. However, commonly held misconceptions and negative attitudes toward hypnosis have resulted in its underutilization and misapplication by health professionals. Little research has been conducted on the attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis held by health professionals in South Australia and its current use in therapy. This quantitative exploratory study investigated the current use of hypnosis, experience, knowledge, interest, and attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis among three groups of health professionals in South Australia. A total of 121 Yellow Pages (R) advertised psychologists, counselors, and physiotherapists completed the Valencia Scale on Attitudes and Beliefs toward Hypnosis-Therapist version (VSABH-T) via mail. Findings revealed that attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis in the sample were generally positive. Using a one-way ANOVA, it was found that psychologists have significantly more positive attitudes and accurate beliefs than physiotherapists. Psychologists overall reported a higher level of knowledge, experience, and association with hypnosis. Knowledge was a significant predictor of positive attitudes and accurate beliefs, as revealed with the use of a multiple regression analysis. Currently, there is little use of clinical hypnosis by the sample, but an interest in acquiring more information about the technique was expressed. The study suggests that there is a growing interest in the use of hypnosis by South Australian health professionals, particularly counselors and physiotherapists, and, thus, a further need for education, training, and awareness of the benefits of clinical hypnosis and its application.