title: Diurnal variations in hypnotic responsiveness: is there an optimal time to be hypnotized?
abstract: With a sample of nearly 700 undergraduate students, the authors found support for diurnal variations in hypnotic responsiveness. Administering the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) in the morning or evening resulted in higher average scores than from afternoon sessions. The authors replicated this finding using a second independent sample. In the primary study, participants indicated the time of day that they are most alert. Matching self-reported preferred time of the day with HGSHS:A administration time did not improve hypnotic responsiveness. Considering this as well as past research, the authors argue that mid-morning may be the optimal time to be hypnotized and afternoon the least favorable.
authors.affiliation: a The Ohio State University , Lima , USA.
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: MaryAnn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kromer
mesh_terms: D001143:Arousal; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult