Self-Hypnosis and Volitional Control of Finger Temperature Among Adults Joseph Swope Walden University
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 1-1-2011 Self-Hypnosis and Volitional Control of Finger Temperature Among Adults Joseph Swope Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, and the Biological Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University COLLEGE OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Joseph Swope has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Thomas Edman, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Susan Kaz, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Elisha Galaif, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2013 Abstract Self-Hypnosis and Volitional Control of Finger Temperature Among Adults by Joseph Swope Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University June 2013 Abstract Raynaud’s disease is a condition in which circulation to the hands becomes restricted, causing an uncomfortable sense of cold and occasionally injury. The cause of Raynaud’s disease is unknown. Earlier studies have shown that hetero-hypnosis is effective in the treatment of Raynaud’s disease. Cost and access to providers limit such a treatment’s availability. Theories of hypnosis suggest that self-hypnosis underlies all hypnotic processes. This study examined the utility of self-hypnosis and focused attention on the volitional control of hand temperature. Forty-three adult participants ranging in age from 19 to 77 years with no hypnosis experience were randomly divided into 2 groups; 20 completed the study. Eleven participants listened to a self-hypnosis recording and 9 listened to a mostly blank recording containing periodic instructions to concentrate on controlling finger temperature. A paired samples t test showed a significant difference in means between pre- and post-treatment ability. A second t test did not show a significant difference in means between the groups’ ability. Analysis of survey data did not show a significant relationship between participant demographic data and ability to control finger temperature. However, analysis of participant survey responses did show that self- hypnosis was significantly more enjoyable than conscious concentration, which suggests that self-hypnosis has greater potential for adoption if used in the treatment of Raynaud's disease. Because self-hypnosis was found to be enjoyable and effective it may be superior to other treatments that are unpleasant or have pharmacological side effects. These findings will inform sufferers of Raynaud’s disease and researchers in their efforts to treat the disease. The positive social change implications of this study are to expand treatment options for a disease that affects 4% of the world’s population. Self-Hypnosis and Volitional Control of Finger Temperature Among Adults by Joseph Swope Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University June 2013 UMI Number: 3554772 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMI 3554772 Published by ProQuest LLC (2013). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 - 1346 Table of Contents Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... i List of Figures ...................................................................................................... viii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................... 1 Background ......................................................................................................... 1 Background of This Study................................................................................... 2 Problem Statement .............................................................................................. 2 Purpose of the Study ........................................................................................... 3 Rationale.............................................................................................................. 5 Nature of the Study ............................................................................................. 5 Research Questions ............................................................................................. 6 Hypothesis ........................................................................................................... 9 Definition of Terms ........................................................................................... 10 Assumptions ...................................................................................................... 12 Limitations ........................................................................................................ 12 Delimitations ..................................................................................................... 13 Significance of the Study .................................................................................. 14 Summary and Transition ................................................................................... 14 i Chapter 2: Literature Review ................................................................................ 17 Research Strategy .............................................................................................. 18 Criteria for Inclusion ......................................................................................... 19 Primary Raynaud’s Disease .............................................................................. 21 Treatment of Raynaud’s Disease....................................................................... 23 Hypnosis ............................................................................................................ 25 Altered State Debate.......................................................................................... 26 Neurological Correlates in Hypnotic States ...................................................... 27 Types of Hypnosis ............................................................................................. 28 The Importance of Suggestion .......................................................................... 29 Self-Hypnosis .................................................................................................... 32 Conscious Concentration Versus Hypnosis ...................................................... 37 Stress, Mental States, and Circulation ............................................................... 39 Biofeedback and Circulation ............................................................................. 41 Concerns With Biofeedback as a Treatment ..................................................... 42 Hypnosis and Other CAM Treatments for Increasing Blood Flow .................. 44 Hypnosis and Extremity Cooling ...................................................................... 47 Hypnosis and Difference of Participant Variables ............................................ 49 ii Gender of Participants ................................................................................... 49 Individuality of Participants .......................................................................... 50 Age of Participants ........................................................................................ 51 Motivation of Participants ............................................................................. 52 Hypnosis for Circulation and Other Diseases ................................................... 54 Hypnosis and Aversive Symptoms ................................................................... 56 Negative Effects of Hypnosis ............................................................................ 57 Use of Hypnosis Recordings in Previous Research .......................................... 58 Finger Temperature and Classical Conditioning ............................................... 60 Studies That Offer Contradictory Findings ....................................................... 61 Summary and Transition ................................................................................... 68 Chapter 3: Research Method ................................................................................. 70 Introduction ......................................................................................................