Anxiety, a workplace productivity killer : is Hypnotherapy an effective occupational health and safety intervention?
Date
2024
Authors
Coventry, Petrina
Editors
Advisors
Wells, Sam
Wittert, Gary (SAHMRI)
Wittert, Gary (SAHMRI)
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Thesis
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Abstract
In 2023, after recognizing the impact of mental health on productivity the Australian Government began regulating psychological health and safety in organizations and increasing awareness and policies around mental health in workplaces. Anxiety is the most commonly experienced mental health condition with increasing rates. It can be addressed through psychotherapies, including hypnotherapy however interventions within Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) programs in workplaces remain limited. This thesis explores the impact of general everyday anxiety on productivity, clinical treatment options like hypnotherapy, and the understanding of hypnotherapy among OHS professionals and Human Resource Managers (HRMs). It also examines barriers to hypnotherapy and whether information influences its acceptance within OHS and HRM practices. The study, conducted in Australia during 2022/23, surveyed 250 AIHS members (146 responses), 108 HRMs (51 responses), and 145 AHA members (84 responses). A mixed-methods approach was used, including literature reviews, surveys, and semi-structured interviews. Secondary data was sourced from case studies on psychological safety and wellbeing programs, while data analysis employed Excel, SPSS, regression, ANOVA, descriptive analysis, triangulation, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that anxiety is not well understood within organizations, although it is acknowledged as affecting performance and productivity. The study highlighted a lack of awareness about effective OHS mental health programs and scepticism towards hypnotherapy. Both OHS and HRM professionals showed an interest in learning more about anxiety and hypnotherapy, recognizing the need for improved information, education and resources. Overall, participants expressed a desire for better mental health and psychological safety interventions in OHS, suggesting that increased awareness and education about anxiety and hypnotherapy could improve organizational approaches to mental health.
School/Discipline
Adelaide Business School
Dissertation Note
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Adelaide Business School, 2025
Provenance
This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals