Keywords

Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy; Telehealth Intervention; Gastrointestinal Disorders; Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction; Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders; Hypnotherapy; Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity; PROMIS GI Belly Pain; Abdominal Pain; Group Hypnotherapy

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of telehealth-delivered Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) compared to General Hypnotherapy (GH) for managing gastrointestinal symptoms associated with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). Eleven adults were randomized to receive four 1-hour hypnotherapy sessions over a 14-day period via Zoom (GH n = 5; GDH n = 6). Primary outcomes included PROMIS GI Belly Pain T-scores and Abdominal Pain Ratings assessed at baseline and post-treatment. Follow-up assessments were conducted at three months (n = 8). At post-treatment, participants receiving GDH demonstrated significantly lower PROMIS GI Belly Pain T-scores compared to GH, F(1, 9) = 6.38, p = .032, η² = .42, with large within-group reductions observed for GDH. At post-treatment, between-group differences in Abdominal Pain Ratings were not statistically significant. At three-month follow-up, significant reductions from baseline were observed in both PROMIS scores and abdominal pain ratings, indicating maintenance of treatment gains. Exploratory analyses revealed significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and moderate reductions in depressive symptoms at follow-up. Treatment satisfaction was high, and most participants reported willingness to recommend the intervention. Findings suggest that telehealth-delivered GDH is feasible, acceptable, and may provide benefits beyond general relaxation-based hypnotherapy. Results are preliminary due to small sample size but support further investigation in larger trials.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Cassisi, Jeffrey

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Thesis Discipline

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

UCF Online

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.

Rights Statement

In Copyright