A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of hypnosis on exam anxiety

Abstract

Exam anxiety affects many students and may lead them to underperform. Hypnosis has been hypothesised as a method of reducing exam anxiety. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was undertaken to assess whether or not hypnosis reduces exam‐related anxiety. Five electronic databases were searched: ERIC; AMED; PsychInfo; Web of Science; MedLine until October 2007. Five small RCTs of variable but moderate quality were identified. The trials were undertaken largely among undergraduate healthcare students (e.g., medical and nursing students). The trials were combined in a fixed‐effect meta‐analysis and there was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety scores (mean effect size = −0.39; 95% CI −0.662 to −0.116; p = 0.0053). In conclusion, five relatively small RCTs of hypnotherapy were found; when they were combined in a meta‐analysis there was a suggestion of a beneficial effect. Larger, more rigorous, trials of hypnotherapy with exam scores as an outcome are required.