| The Problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of an experimenter-developed self-hypnosis audiotape on weight loss in overweight subjects, as well as to ascertain whether a relationship exists between weight loss and the variables of ego strength, achievement motivation, anxiety, and locus of control.;The experimenter-developed self-hypnosis audiotape for weight loss, designed from information obtained from a field survey of Ph.D. hypnotherapists, was submitted for professional evaluation to insure representation of the current practices. The placebo audiotape contained a hypnotic induction with the weight loss suggestions, contained in the first audiotape, replaced with synthesizer sound.;Results. Statistical significance was found (p < 0.01) with regard to use of the experimenter-developed self-hypnosis audiotape promoting weight loss. No correlation was found between weight loss and the variables of ego strength, achievement motivation, anxiety, and locus of control.;Method. Eighty-two subjects were weighed and pretested on four psychometric scales: the Barron Ego Strength Scale, the Mehrabian Tendency to Achieve Scale, the IPAT Anxiety Scale and the Rotter Locus of Control Scale. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups designated: experimenter-developed audiotape treatment, placebo audiotape treatment and control. The first two groups listened to their respective audiotapes as they fell asleep each night for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week period, post-treatment weights were obtained and the psychometric scales were readministered to all groups. |
