Psychological and hypnotic preparation for anesthesia and surgery: An individual differences perspective

Rodger Kessler, Joseph R. Dane

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Multiple reviews indicate that psychological preparation for surgery can provide psychological, physiological, and economic benefit to the patient. Research demonstrating that hypnosis adds to this benefit is both limited and encouraging. The content and status of this literature, however, are confusing, with little coherent theoretical basis to account for the contradictions and inconsistencies across multiple studies whose methodologies often limit generalization. A model is presented regarding pertinent individual differences that include patient coping styles, prior medical experiences, and hypnotic ability as well as differences in types of coping demanded by different surgical procedures. This model (a) helps explain some of the confusion, (b) offers a theoretical focus for patient assessment as well as development and selection of preparation strategies, and (c) clarifies future research goals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)189-207
Number of pages19
JournalInternational Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and Manual Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology

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