The Effectiveness of Cognitive Hypnotherapy on Subjective Pain and Guilt in Individuals with a History of Suicide

Background & Aim: Surveys carried out in the last two decades in Iran showed that suicide and attempted suicide are increasing. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive hypnotherapy on subjective pain and guilt in individuals with a history of suicide attempts. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with control group. The statistical population of this study included all individuals with a history of suicide attempts referring to the Nikandish psychiatric clinic of Sari in 2020-2020, among which 30 patients were selected and divided into two experimental and control groups. Data were obtained using the Beck Depression Scale (2001), Psychological Pain Assessment Questionnaire (2005), and Eysenck Guilt Questionnaire (2007). The experimental group received cognitive hypnotherapy in eight sessions of 90 minutes. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and SPSS-21 software. Results: The results showed that cognitive hypnotherapy treatment was effective in reducing subjective pain (F=19.65, P<0.001) and guilt (F=10.80, P<0.001) in individuals with a history of suicide attempts. Conclusion: It can be concluded that cognitive hypnotherapy treatment is effective in reducing mental pain and guilt in people with a history of suicide attempts, and this treatment can be used to reduce psychological problems in people with a history of suicide.