TITLE:
Exploring the Cooperative Potential of AI: A Comparative Performance Evaluation of Human and Machine-Generated Hypnotic Sessions
AUTHORS:
Charles Leung, Chi Ho Choi, Chun Yu Patrick Hui, Po Shan Lai, Mabel Mei Po Lau, Shun Shing So, Siu Chung Tai, Miu Yin Joanna Tsui
KEYWORDS:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Hypnosis, Stress Reduction, Within-Subjects Crossover Design
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.17 No.11,
November
5,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study explored the cooperative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in stress reduction hypnosis by comparing human- and AI-generated hypnotic audio sessions among 48 Hong Kong adults experiencing family-related stress, utilizing a blinded within-subjects crossover design. The two sessions collectively produced a significant overall stress-relieving effect, reducing the average self-reported stress score by 28.93% (from an average of 2.52 out of 5 to 1.79). Participants rated the AI-led sessions as having a higher mean helpfulness score (2.92/5) than the human-led sessions (2.58/5), representing a 12.90% advantage in AI. This advantage was most pronounced in the tactile sensory modality (+26.67%) and among older age groups of 55+ (+30.73%), supporting the finding that AI and human-led hypnosis have a similar stress-relieving effect, with AI performing comparably or better in specific subgroups. Furthermore, a majority of participants (62.5%) ultimately preferred the AI-led session when blinded. The results suggest a model for integrating AI-designed audio into hypnosis services in Hong Kong to allow more client-centered service with higher efficiency and scalability.