Missions

For more than two decades, the use of hypnosis for pain relief and relaxation has been growing in France, whether for chronic pain, in dental clinics, emergency departments, obstetrics or oncology, and even in operating rooms using hypnosedation. Hypnosis is also promoted as a solution for a wide range of psychological disorders or problems (stress and anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, insomnia, etc.) through its integration into psychotherapy and the emergence of the profession of “hypnotherapist.” Nevertheless, the place of hypnosis in healthcare remains fragile and contested: there is no specific legal framework for its practice, its effectiveness is challenged, and its potential abuses are criticized.
The Hyp-Hope project aims to study the varied development of hypnosis in the French healthcare system. It proposes to study the dynamics of the deployment of its therapeutic promise through scientific research and hypnosis training, to understand the ways in which it is integrated into different professional fields, and to analyze how this technique is perceived by the general public. In doing so, we aim to contribute to three cross-cutting questions:
a) mind-body relationships in medicine and healthcare;
b) the place of non-conventional healthcare practices in France;
c) the interaction between (de)medicalization and pathologization at the intersection of health and well-being.

Under the scientific supervision of Baptiste Moutaud and Boris Hauray, and in cooperation with members of the Hyp-Hope project, the successful candidate will conduct qualitative research (interviews, observations) on the development of hypnosis in France:
• Practices of professionals using hypnosis
• Experiences of hypnosis users
• Scientific research involving hypnosis
He or she will also carry out documentary research and literature reviews in the social sciences on the research topics.
The candidate will be required to participate in the Hyp-Hope project meetings and to present the results of his or her work at conferences and in scientific publications.

Activités

In addition to scientific investigation and documentary research, he or she will also take part in the projet various activities:
• Organization and participation in scientific and promotional activities for the Hyp-Hope research program (seminars and workshops, participation in the writing of scientific articles, presentations at scientific conferences and to the general public)
• Organizing and participating in coordination and monitoring activities for the Hyp-Hope research program (working meetings, administrative tasks, design and management of cooperation tools).

Compétences

* Good knowledge of the worlds of health and/or health practices, wellness or personal development, and/or medical research.

* A good level of spoken and written French is essential.

* Reading English is essential. Fluency in spoken and written English would be particularly welcome.

* Knowledge of the anthropology/sociology of health and medicine and/or the anthropology/sociology of science and technology is recommended.

* The candidate must be able to work independently to create the conditions for innovative research within the framework of this project.

* Sense of initiative, ability to combine independent work and teamwork.

* Interest and aptitude for working in an interdisciplinary team in the humanities and social sciences.

Contexte de travail

The work of the candidate will be part of the scientific environment of the research program “Hyp-Hope - Healing (oneself) through hypnosis: therapeutic promises and transformations in healthcare practices.” Led by Boris Hauray (Inserm-IRIS), this project is funded by the ANR (2024-2026). It brings together researchers in the social sciences and involves three research centers: IRIS, Cermes3, and Lesc (Laboratory of Ethnology and Comparative Sociology, CNRS UMR 7186-University of Paris Nanterre), where the person will be assigned under the responsibility of Baptiste Moutaud.

Contraintes et risques

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