altered state of consciousness psychology definition

Altered State of Consciousness: A Psychological Examination

Author: Dr. Evelyn Reed, PhD, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Reed has over 20 years of experience researching altered states of consciousness, publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals such as Nature Neuroscience and Cognitive Science.

Keywords: altered state of consciousness psychology definition, altered states of consciousness, ASC, psychology, neuroscience, hypnosis, meditation, dreaming, drug-induced states, altered awareness.

Introduction: Defining the Elusive 'Altered State of Consciousness'

The phrase "altered state of consciousness psychology definition" itself highlights a central challenge in this field: defining what constitutes an "altered" state. Unlike concrete physiological measures, consciousness is inherently subjective. This makes establishing a universally accepted definition of "altered state of consciousness psychology definition" difficult, prompting ongoing debate and refinement within the psychological and neuroscientific communities. However, a working definition can be formulated: an altered state of consciousness (ASC) is a temporary deviation from a person's normal waking state of awareness, characterized by changes in perception, cognition, emotion, and/or sense of self. These alterations can be induced through various means, including sleep, meditation, hypnosis, psychoactive substances, sensory deprivation, and even intense emotional experiences.

This article will explore the nuances of the altered state of consciousness psychology definition, examining both the challenges associated with its precise definition and the exciting opportunities it presents for understanding the human mind and brain.

Challenges in Defining Altered States of Consciousness

One of the primary challenges in establishing a robust altered state of consciousness psychology definition stems from the subjective nature of experience. What constitutes a significant alteration in consciousness varies considerably across individuals and cultures. A meditative state considered profoundly altered for one person might feel only mildly different for another. This subjectivity makes it challenging to develop objective measures for ASCs, relying heavily on self-report data, which can be prone to bias and interpretation difficulties.

Furthermore, the multiplicity of ways to induce ASCs adds complexity. The neural mechanisms underlying hypnosis differ from those involved in psychedelic drug use, yet both result in states deviating from normal waking consciousness. A unified theoretical framework capable of encompassing the diverse range of ASCs remains elusive. Even within a single category, like meditation, variations in technique lead to potentially distinct altered states, further complicating a singular altered state of consciousness psychology definition.

Another significant hurdle is the lack of universally agreed-upon operational definitions for key aspects of consciousness, such as awareness, self-awareness, and attention. Without a clear understanding of the baseline "normal" state, identifying deviations becomes problematic. The very nature of consciousness, a complex interplay of neural activity and subjective experience, remains a significant mystery, making the precise definition of altered states even more challenging.

Opportunities Presented by the Study of Altered States of Consciousness

Despite these challenges, the study of ASCs offers significant opportunities for advancing our understanding of the human mind and brain. Investigating ASCs allows researchers to:

Explore the neural correlates of consciousness: By comparing brain activity during normal waking states and ASCs, neuroscientists can pinpoint brain regions and networks crucial for conscious experience. This research can illuminate the neural mechanisms underlying attention, self-awareness, and other aspects of consciousness.

Investigate the nature of self: Altered states often involve profound alterations in the sense of self, blurring the boundaries between the individual and the environment. Studying these changes can shed light on the neural underpinnings of self-awareness and personal identity.

Develop novel therapeutic interventions: ASC induction techniques, such as hypnosis and meditation, have shown promise in treating various psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. Research into ASCs can pave the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic approaches.

Gain insights into cognitive processes: Altered states often involve changes in perception, memory, and cognitive flexibility. Studying these alterations can provide valuable insights into the cognitive processes underlying normal waking consciousness. For example, altered perceptions in dreams can provide crucial information on how the brain constructs reality.

Understand the role of consciousness in human experience: ASCs can help us understand the role of consciousness in shaping our emotions, beliefs, and behaviors, leading to a more complete understanding of the human condition.

The Future of Altered State of Consciousness Psychology Definition

The ongoing refinement of the altered state of consciousness psychology definition requires a multidisciplinary approach. Integrating findings from neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, and philosophy is crucial to develop a comprehensive understanding of ASCs. Advances in neuroimaging techniques, such as fMRI and EEG, alongside sophisticated computational models of consciousness, hold promise for providing more objective measures of altered states. Furthermore, incorporating qualitative data from individuals' subjective experiences, while acknowledging its limitations, is essential for a complete picture.

The development of more precise and nuanced definitions of specific ASCs, rather than a single overarching definition, may be a more fruitful approach. This would allow researchers to focus on specific alterations in consciousness induced by particular methods, leading to a more granular understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

Conclusion

Defining "altered state of consciousness psychology definition" remains a significant challenge, owing to the subjective nature of consciousness and the diversity of methods for inducing altered states. However, research in this area offers incredible potential for deepening our understanding of the brain, mind, and the nature of human experience. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach and leveraging technological advancements, we can continue to refine our understanding of altered states, leading to both theoretical breakthroughs and practical applications in therapeutic settings.

FAQs

What are some common examples of altered states of consciousness? Sleep, dreaming, hypnosis, meditation, drug-induced states (e.g., from alcohol, marijuana, or psychedelics), sensory deprivation, near-death experiences, and even intense emotional states.

How are altered states of consciousness measured? Self-report questionnaires, behavioral observations, physiological measures (e.g., heart rate, brainwave activity), and neuroimaging techniques (e.g., EEG, fMRI).

What are the ethical considerations in researching altered states of consciousness? Ensuring participant safety, informed consent, responsible use of psychoactive substances, and protection of vulnerable populations are crucial ethical considerations.

Can altered states of consciousness be dangerous? Some ASCs can be risky, particularly those induced by psychoactive substances or extreme sensory deprivation. Proper supervision and risk assessment are vital.

How are altered states of consciousness used in therapy? Hypnosis and mindfulness meditation are used to treat anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.

What is the relationship between altered states of consciousness and creativity? Some evidence suggests that ASCs can enhance creativity by facilitating divergent thinking and loosening cognitive constraints.

How do different cultures view altered states of consciousness? Cultural attitudes towards ASCs vary widely, ranging from acceptance and integration into spiritual practices to stigmatization and prohibition.

What is the difference between an altered state of consciousness and a mental disorder? While some ASCs can be symptomatic of a mental disorder, many are temporary and not indicative of pathology.

What are the future directions of research in altered states of consciousness? Further development of objective measures, integration of different research methods, and exploration of the neural correlates of consciousness are crucial future directions.

The Neuroscience of Hypnosis: Examines the neural mechanisms underlying hypnotic states and their therapeutic applications.

Meditation and Mindfulness: A Cognitive Neuroscience Perspective: Explores the cognitive and neural effects of meditation practices.

Drug-Induced Altered States of Consciousness: A Review: A comprehensive review of the effects of various psychoactive substances on consciousness.

The Phenomenology of Dreaming: A Psychological Analysis: Explores the subjective experience of dreaming and its relationship to waking consciousness.

Sensory Deprivation and Altered States of Consciousness: Investigates the effects of sensory deprivation on perception and cognition.

Near-Death Experiences: Psychological and Neurological Perspectives: Examines the psychological and neurological aspects of near-death experiences.

Altered States of Consciousness and Creativity: A Cognitive Approach: Explores the link between altered states and enhanced creative thinking.

The Role of Altered States of Consciousness in Religious and Spiritual Practices: Examines the use of ASCs in various religious and spiritual traditions.

Ethical Considerations in Research on Altered States of Consciousness: Discusses the ethical challenges and guidelines for research involving ASCs.

Publisher: Oxford University Press – A renowned academic publisher with a strong reputation for publishing high-quality research in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields.

Editor: Dr. Anya Sharma, PhD, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Stanford University. Dr. Sharma specializes in the psychology of altered states and therapeutic applications of mindfulness.

altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Consciousness Susan Blackmore, 2017 Some of our most burning questions surround consciousness: What creates our identity? Do we really have free will? Is consciousness itself an illusion? The rapid rate of developments in brain science continues to open up debate on these issues. This book clarifies the complex arguments and illuminates the major theories on consciousness.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: The Blackwell Companion to Consciousness Susan Schneider, Max Velmans, 2017-05-08 Updated and revised, the highly-anticipated second edition of The Blackwell Companion to Consciousness offers a collection of readings that together represent the most thorough and comprehensive survey of the nature of consciousness available today. Features updates to scientific chapters reflecting the latest research in the field Includes 18 new theoretical, empirical, and methodological chapters covering integrated information theory, renewed interest in panpsychism, and more Covers a wide array of topics that include the origins and extent of consciousness, various consciousness experiences such as meditation and drug-induced states, and the neuroscience of consciousness Presents 54 peer-reviewed chapters written by leading experts in the study of consciousness, from across a variety of academic disciplines
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Inner Presence Antti Revonsuo, 2009 An overview and critical analysis of the study of consciousness, integrating findings from philosophy, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience into a unified theoretical framework. The question of consciousness is perhaps the most significant problem still unsolved by science. In Inner Presence, Antti Revonsuo proposes a novel approach to the study of consciousness that integrates findings from philosophy, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience into a coherent theoretical framework. Arguing that any fruitful scientific approach to the problem must consider both the subjective psychological reality of consciousness and the objective neurobiological reality, Revonsuo proposes that the best strategy for discovering the connection between these two realities is one of biological realism, using tools of the empirical biological sciences. This approach, which he calls the biological research program, provides a theoretical and philosophical foundation that contemporary study of consciousness lacks. Revonsuo coins the term world simulation metaphor and uses this metaphor to develop a powerful way of thinking about consciousness as a biological system in the brain. This leads him to propose that the dreaming brain and visual consciousness are ideal model systems for empirical consciousness research. He offers a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of consciousness research and defends his approach against currently popular philosophical views, in particular against approaches that deny or externalize phenomenal consciousness, or claim that brain activity is not sufficient for consciousness. He systematically examines the principal issues in the science of consciousness--the contents of consciousness, the unity of consciousness and the binding problem, the explanatory gap and the neural correlates of consciousness, and the causal powers and function of consciousness. Revonsuo draws together empirical data from a wide variety of sources, including dream research, brain imaging, neuropsychology, and evolutionary psychology, into the theoretical framework of the biological research program, thus pointing the way toward a unified biological science of consciousness. Applying imaginative thought experiments, Inner Presence reaches beyond the current state-of-the-art, revealing how the problem of consciousness may eventually be solved by future science.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Altered States of Consciousness Marc Wittmann, 2023-11-07 What altered states of consciousness—the dissolution of feelings of time and self—can tell us about the mystery of consciousness. During extraordinary moments of consciousness—shock, meditative states and sudden mystical revelations, out-of-body experiences, or drug intoxication—our senses of time and self are altered; we may even feel time and self dissolving. These experiences have long been ignored by mainstream science, or considered crazy fantasies. Recent research, however, has located the neural underpinnings of these altered states of mind. In this book, neuropsychologist Marc Wittmann shows how experiences that disturb or widen our everyday understanding of the self can help solve the mystery of consciousness. Wittmann explains that the relationship between consciousness of time and consciousness of self is close; in extreme circumstances, the experiences of space and self intensify and weaken together. He considers the emergence of the self in waking life and dreams; how our sense of time is distorted by extreme situations ranging from terror to mystical enlightenment; the experience of the moment; and the loss of time and self in such disorders as depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Dostoyevsky reported godly bliss during epileptic seizures; neurologists are now investigating the phenomenon of the epileptic aura. Wittmann describes new studies of psychedelics that show how the brain builds consciousness of self and time, and discusses pilot programs that use hallucinogens to treat severe depression, anxiety, and addiction. If we want to understand our consciousness, our subjectivity, Wittmann argues, we must not be afraid to break new ground. Studying altered states of consciousness leads us directly to the heart of the matter: time and self, the foundations of consciousness.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Non-Ordinary Mental Expressions Etzel Cardeña, Enrico Facco, 2015-03-16 Nothing provided
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Alterations of Consciousness Imants Barušs, 2020 The second edition of this pathbreaking investigation into the nature of cognitive reality explores various manifestations of consciousness, from sleeping and dreaming, to hypnosis, trance, hallucinations, and experiences related to death.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Enhancing Human Performance National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on Techniques for the Enhancement of Human Performance, 1988-01-01 In its evaluation, Enhancing Human Performance reviews the relevant materials, describes each technique, makes recommendations in some cases for further scientific research and investigation, and notes applications in military and industrial settings. The techniques address a wide range of goals, from enhancing classroom learning to improving creativity and motor skills.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: The Psychology of Consciousness G. William Farthing, 1992 The first book on consciousness that offers sufficient breadth and depth to serve as a stand-alone text for courses on consciousness. Also ideally organized as a supplement for instructors who discuss topics of consciousness in other courses. Journey into the fascinating world of human consciousness with this comprehensive survey that covers topics of consciousness from both a natural science and cognitive psychology viewpoint. Based on the belief that consciousness is a natural phenomenon and product of the brain's functioning, Dr. Farthing's captivating book emphasizes systematic research and theoretical interpretations and also discusses clinical applications and pertinent conceptual and philosophical issues.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Forensic Victimology Brent E. Turvey, 2013-08-08 Published in 2009, the first edition of Forensic Victimology introduced criminologists and criminal investigators to the idea of systematically gathering and examining victim information for the purposes of addressing investigative and forensic issues. The concepts presented within immediately proved vital to social scientists researching victims-offender relationships; investigators and forensic scientists seeking to reconstruct events and establish the elements of a crime; and criminal profilers seeking to link pattern crimes. This is because the principles and guidelines in Forensic Victimology were written to serve criminal investigation and anticipate courtroom testimony. As with the first, this second edition of Forensic Victimology is an applied presentation of a traditionally theoretical subject written by criminal justice practitioners with years of experience-both in the field and in the classroom. It distinguishes the investigative and forensic aspects of applied victim study as necessary adjuncts to what has often been considered a theoretical field. It then identifies the benefits of forensic victimology to casework, providing clearly defined methods and those standards of practice necessary for effectively serving the criminal justice system. - 30% new content, with new chapters on Emergency Services, False Confessions, and Human Trafficking - Use of up-to-date references and case examples to demonstrate the application of forensic victimology - Provides context and scope for both the investigative and forensic aspects of case examination and evidence interpretation - Approaches the study of victimology from a realistic standpoint, moving away from stereotypes and archetypes - Useful for students and professionals working in relation to behavioral science, criminology, criminal justice, forensic science, and criminal investigation
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Mysticism , 2021-09-06 Although very different, and coming from a range of academic backgrounds, the contributors are nevertheless united in their attempts to understand more about mysticism, from a perspective that puts the human being in the center.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Creativity and the Wandering Mind David D. Preiss, Diego Cosmelli, James C. Kaufman, 2020-06-20 Creativity and the Wandering Mind: Spontaneous and Controlled Cognition summarizes research on the impact of mind wandering and cognitive control on creativity, including imagination, fantasy and play. Most coverage in this area has either focused on the negative consequences of mind wandering on focused problem solving or the positive effect of mindfulness, but not on the positive consequences of mind wandering. This volume bridges that gap. Research indicates that most people experience mind wandering during a large percentage of their waking time, and that it is a baseline default mode of brain function during the awake but resting state. This volume explores the different kinds of mind wandering and its positive impact on imagination, play, problem-solving, and creative production. - Discusses spontaneous and controlled processes in creativity - Examines the relationship between mind wandering, consciousness, and imagination - Reviews research on problem-solving, imagination, play, and learning - Highlights the positive impact of mind wandering on creative thought and output
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Innovative Approaches to Individual and Community Resilience Darlyne G. Nemeth, Traci W. Olivier, 2017-07-14 Resilience is a biopsychosocial phenomenon—it encompasses personal, interpersonal, and community experiences. Innovative Approaches to Individual and Community Resilience reviews the current research and details differing levels and approaches to resilience. On a microlevel, this book specifies how to develop appropriate coping strategies, maintain cognitive flexibility, and identify, label, and share feelings before acting upon them. On a macrolevel, it defines and explores environmental resilience, social resilience, community resilience, and family resilience. It focuses on the importance of family, community, and spiritual bonds, in order to share experiences and enhance posttraumatic healing. The need to be firmly grounded in today, while learning from yesterday, in order to cope with the requirements of tomorrow is the primary emphasis of this book. 2018 PROSE Awards - Winner, Award for Applied Social Work, Nursing and Allied Health: Association of American Publishers Explores aspects of resilience within the individual, community, and environment Outlines critical factors that allow people to not just survive, but to thrive Addresses the crucial role of the family in the development of resilience Reflects upon the helping professional's need to achieve and maintain resilience
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Descriptive Psychology and the Person Concept Wynn Schwartz, 2019-05-21 Descriptive Psychology and the Person Concept maps the common ground of behavioral science. The absence of a shared foundation has given us fragmentation, a siloed state of psychological theory and practice. And the science? The integrity of choice, accountability, reason, and intention are necessary commitments at the cornerstone of civilization and any person-centered psychotherapy, but when taught along with a scientific requirement for reductionism and determinism, reside in contradictory intellectual universes. Peter Ossorio developed the Person Concept to remedy these problems. This book is an introduction to his work and the community of scientists, scholars, and practitioners of Descriptive Psychology. Ossorio offered these maxims that capture the discipline's spirit: 1. The world makes sense, and so do people. They make sense to begin with. 2. It's one world. Everything fits together. Everything is related to everything else. 3. Things are what they are and not something else instead. 4. Don't count on the world being simpler than it has to be. The Person Concept is a single, coherent concept of interdependent component concepts: Individual Persons; Behavior as Intentional Action; Language and Verbal Behavior; Community and Culture; and World and Reality. Descriptive Psychology uses preempirical, theory-neutral formulations and methods, to make explicit the implicit structure of the behavioral sciences. The goal is a framework with a place for what is already known with room for what is yet to be found. - Provides a way to compare theories, coordinate empirical findings, and negotiate competent disagreement - Offers guidance for effective case formulation and integration of therapies - Explores the dilemmas of personhood and the complexities of human and nonhuman action, investigating what is a person, and how can we be sure? - Follows the implications of Hedonics, Prudence, Ethics, and Aesthetics as intrinsic perspectives and reasons for action - Applies these concepts to personality and social dynamics, consciousness, relationship change, emotional behavior, deliberation, and judgment - Provides a guide to establishing and restoring empathy--especially when it's difficult
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Flow Mihaly Csikszent, 1991-03-13 An introduction to flow, a new field of behavioral science that offers life-fulfilling potential, explains its principles and shows how to introduce flow into all aspects of life, avoiding the interferences of disharmony.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Machine Dreaming and Consciousness J. F. Pagel, Philip Kirshtein, 2017-04-13 Machine Dreaming and Consciousness is the first book to discuss the questions raised by the advent of machine dreaming. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems meeting criteria of primary and self-reflexive consciousness are often utilized to extend the human interface, creating waking experiences that resemble the human dream. Surprisingly, AI systems also easily meet all human-based operational criteria for dreaming. These dreams are far different from anthropomorphic dreaming, including such processes as fuzzy logic, liquid illogic, and integration instability, all processes that may be necessary in both biologic and artificial systems to extend creative capacity. Today, multi-linear AI systems are being built to resemble the structural framework of the human central nervous system. The creation of the biologic framework of dreaming (emotions, associative memories, and visual imagery) is well within our technical capacity. AI dreams potentially portend the further development of consciousness in these systems. This focus on AI dreaming raises even larger questions. In many ways, dreaming defines our humanity. What is humanly special about the states of dreaming? And what are we losing when we limit our focus to its technical and biologic structure, and extend the capacity for dreaming into our artificial creations? Machine Dreaming and Consciousness provides thorough discussion of these issues for neuroscientists and other researchers investigating consciousness and cognition. - Addresses the function and role of dream-like processing in AI systems - Describes the functions of dreaming in the creative process of both humans and machines - Presents an alternative approach to the philosophy of machine consciousness - Provides thorough discussion of machine dreaming and consciousness for neuroscientists and other researchers investigating consciousness and cognition
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Cross-Cultural Psychology Kenneth D. Keith, 2011-07-12 This book situates the essential areas of psychology within a cultural perspective, exploring the relationship of culture to psychological phenomena, from introduction and research foundations to clinical and social principles and applications. • Includes contributions from an experienced, international team of researchers and teachers • Brings together new perspectives and research findings with established psychological principles • Organized around key issues of contemporary cross-cultural psychology, including ethnocentrism, diversity, gender and sexuality and their role in research methods • Argues for the importance of culture as an integral component in the teaching of psychology
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: The Neurology of Consciousness Steven Laureys, Olivia Gosseries, Giulio Tononi, 2015-08-12 The second edition of The Neurology of Consciousness is a comprehensive update of this ground-breaking work on human consciousness, the first book in this area to summarize the neuroanatomical and functional underpinnings of consciousness by emphasizing a lesional approach offered by the study of neurological patients. Since the publication of the first edition in 2009, new methodologies have made consciousness much more accessible scientifically, and, in particular, the study of disorders, disruptions, and disturbances of consciousness has added tremendously to our understanding of the biological basis of human consciousness. The publication of a new edition is both critical and timely for continued understanding of the field of consciousness. In this critical and timely update, revised and new contributions by internationally renowned researchers—edited by the leaders in the field of consciousness research—provide a unique and comprehensive focus on human consciousness. The new edition of The Neurobiology of Consciousness will continue to be an indispensable resource for researchers and students working on the cognitive neuroscience of consciousness and related disorders, as well as for neuroscientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists contemplating consciousness as one of the philosophical, ethical, sociological, political, and religious questions of our time. - New chapters on the neuroanatomical basis of consciousness and short-term memory, and expanded coverage of comas and neuroethics, including the ethics of brain death - The first comprehensive, authoritative collection to describe disorders of consciousness and how they are used to study and understand the neural correlates of conscious perception in humans. - Includes both revised and new chapters from the top international researchers in the field, including Christof Koch, Marcus Raichle, Nicholas Schiff, Joseph Fins, and Michael Gazzaniga
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: States of Consciousness Charles T. Tart, 2000-12 States of Consciousness, a classic by world authority Charles T. Tart, is a basic understanding of how the mind is a dynamic, culturally biased, semi-arbitrary construction and system. A systematic exploration of how and why altered states can come about and their possibilities. As a student of his remarked, “For the first weeks of class I didn’t understand what those diagrams were about, but I’ve realized the book is all about the way my own mind works!” Useful in understanding some of the important ways your mind works before you start altering it.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: States of Consciousness Dean Cvetkovic, Irena Cosic, 2011-06-22 In this accessible overview of current knowledge, an expert team of editors and authors describe experimental approaches to consciousness. These approaches are shedding light on some of the hitherto unknown aspects of the distinct states of human consciousness, including the waking state, different states of sleep and dreaming, meditation and more. The book presents the latest research studies by the contributing authors, whose specialities span neuroscience, neurology, biomedical engineering, clinical psychology and psychophysiology, psychosocial medicine and anthropology. Overall this anthology provides the reader with a clear picture of how different states of consciousness can be defined, experimentally measured and analysed. A future byproduct of this knowledge may be anticipated in the development of systematic corrective treatments for many disorders and pathological problems of consciousness.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Introduction to Psychology Jennifer Walinga, Charles Stangor, This book is designed to help students organize their thinking about psychology at a conceptual level. The focus on behaviour and empiricism has produced a text that is better organized, has fewer chapters, and is somewhat shorter than many of the leading books. The beginning of each section includes learning objectives; throughout the body of each section are key terms in bold followed by their definitions in italics; key takeaways, and exercises and critical thinking activities end each section.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: The Science of Religion, Spirituality, and Existentialism Kenneth E. Vail III, Clay Routledge, 2020-04-04 The Science of Religion, Spirituality, and Existentialism presents in-depth analysis of the core issues in existential psychology, their connections to religion and spirituality (e.g., religious concepts, beliefs, identities, and practices), and their diverse outcomes (e.g., psychological, social, cultural, and health). Leading scholars from around the world cover research exploring how fundamental existential issues are both cause and consequence of religion and spirituality, informed by research data spanning multiple levels of analysis, such as: evolution; cognition and neuroscience; emotion and motivation; personality and individual differences; social and cultural forces; physical and mental health; among many others. The Science of Religion, Spirituality, and Existentialism explores known contours and emerging frontiers, addressing the big question of why religious belief remains such a central feature of the human experience. - Discusses both abstract concepts of mortality and concrete near-death experiences - Covers the struggles and triumphs associated with freedom, self-regulation, and authenticity - Examines the roles of social exclusion, experiential isolation, attachment, and the construction of social identity - Considers the problems of uncertainty, the effort to discern truth and reality, and the challenge to find meaning in life - Discusses how the mind developed to handle existential topics, how the brain and mind implement the relevant processes, and the many variations and individual differences that alter those processes - Delves into the psychological functions of religion and science; the influence on pro- and antisocial behavior, politics, and public policy; and looks at the role of spiritual concerns in understanding the human body and maintaining physical health
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Adapting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Sara Nowakowski, Sheila Garland, Michael A. Grandner, Leisha Cuddihy, 2021-11-11 Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has emerged as the standard first-line treatment for insomnia. The number of patients receiving non-medication treatments is increasing, and there is a growing need to address a wide range of patient backgrounds, characteristics, and medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Adapting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia identifies for clinicians how best to deliver and/or modify CBT-I based on the needs of their patients. The book recommends treatment modifications based on patient age, comorbid conditions, and for various special populations. - Summarizes research on cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) - Directs clinicians how to modify CBT-I for comorbid patient conditions - Discusses comorbid sleep, psychiatric, and medical disorders - Specifies modifications across the lifespan for different client ages and conditions - Includes special populations: short sleepers and more
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Naturalizing The Mind Fred Dretske, 1997-08-21 Naturalizing the Mind skillfully develops a representational theory of the qualitative, the phenomenal, the what-it-is-like aspects of the mind that have defied traditional forms of naturalism. How can the baffling problems of phenomenal experience be accounted for? In this provocative book, Fred Dretske argues that to achieve an understanding of the mind it is not enough to understand the biological machinery by means of which the mind does its job. One must understand what the mind's job is and how this task can be performed by a physical system—the nervous system. Naturalizing the Mind skillfully develops a representational theory of the qualitative, the phenomenal, the what-it-is-like aspects of the mind that have defied traditional forms of naturalism. Central to Dretske's approach is the claim that the phenomenal aspects of perceptual experiences are one and the same as external, real-world properties that experience represents objects as having. Combined with an evolutionary account of sensory representation, the result is a completely naturalistic account of phenomenal consciousness. * Not for sale in France or Belgium.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Investigating Phenomenal Consciousness Max Velmans, 2000-11-29 How can one investigate phenomenal consciousness? As in other areas of science, the investigation of consciousness aims for a more precise knowledge of its phenomena, and the discovery of general truths about their nature. This requires the development of appropriate first-person, second-person and third-person methods. This book introduces some of the creative ways in which these methods can be applied to different purposes, e.g. to understanding the relation of consciousness to brain, to examining or changing consciousness as such, and to understanding the way consciousness is influenced by social, clinical and therapeutic contexts. To clarify the strengths and weaknesses of different methods and to demonstrate the interplay of methodology and epistemology, the book also suggests a number of “maps” of the consciousness studies terrain that place different approaches to the study of consciousness into a broader, interdisciplinary context. (Series A).
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Weed Science Godfrey Pearlson, 2020-07-11 WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT MARIJUANA AND HOW DO WE KNOW IT? Marijuana is the most frequently consumed illicit drug worldwide, with over 158.8 million users, according to the UN. Responding to public pressure, the US federal government is likely to legalize recreational marijuana within the next few years. With increasing numbers of people using cannabis both medically and recreationally there are many looming questions that only science can answer. These include: - What's likely to happen, both good and bad, if the US legalizes marijuana? - What are some simple, science-based rules to separate fact from fiction and to help guide policy in the highly contentious marijuana debate? - Exactly what is cannabis doing in the brain that gets us high? A journey through THC neuroscience - Does cannabis really have medical benefits - what's the evidence? - To what extent does cannabis impair driving? - Can smoking marijuana in adolescence affect IQ or risk for developing schizophrenia? - Is marijuana safe to use during pregnancy? - Reviews the endocannabinoid system and why our bodies are full of weed receptors - Introduces readers to the various forms of marijuana: flower, dabs, hash, edibles, shatter, vapes, tinctures, oils and synthetics, THC, CBD and terpenes. - Demonstrates how and why cannabis affects different people very differently. Discusses how MRI and PET scans can help show the effects of marijuana on the brain. - Discusses long-term effects of adolescent and adult cannabis use. - Examines the evidence for cannabis's role in increasing the risk for schizophrenia-like illnesses.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Psychology Wayne Weiten, 2009-02 Weiten's PSYCHOLOGY: THEMES AND VARIATIONS, 8E International Edition maintains this book's strengths while addressing market changes with new learning objectives, a complete updating, and a fresh new design. The text continues to provide a unique survey of psychology that meets three goals: to demonstrate the unity and diversity of psychology's subject matter, to illuminate the research process and its link to application, and to make the text challenging and thought-provoking yet easy from which to learn. Weiten accomplishes the successful balance of scientific rigor and a student-friendly approach through the integration of seven unifying themes, an unparalleled didactic art program, real-life examples, and a streamlined set of learning aids that help students see beyond research to big-picture concepts. Major topics typically covered in today's courses are included, such as evolutionary psychology, neuropsychology, biological psychology, positive psychology, applied psychology, careers, and multiculturalism and diversity.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: The Consciousness Revolution Stanislav Grof, Peter Russell, 1999 AS WE ENTER THE 21ST CENTURY faced with current global and human crises, society is being questioned as never before. In The Consciousness Revolution three pioneers at the cutting-edge of Western thought reflect on the chances of peace in the world, on how society is changing, and on the changes we can make in ourselves. They consider the roles of art, science, education, goals and values, world views, religion, spirituality and, above all, consciousness -- for the state of our consciousness is the key issue underlying almost everything else. As Ken Wilber asks in his Foreword, what does it all finally come down to? Peter Russell put it like this: 'Each little bit counts ... we are all part of the same ground-swell. The most important question we need to ask is how can I put my own life in greater alignment with that ground-swell? How can I do my little one-hundred-thousandth worth to facilitate that shift a bit further? These intense and memorable discussions among three of the finest minds of our time convey a sense of excitement and passion which we can carry forward in our own lives. The Consciousness Revolution is an essential guide to how our map of reality is changing in the midst of the global transformations going on in all parts of the world and in every sphere of life, in us and around us.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Ten Problems of Consciousness Michael Tye, 1997-01-22 Can neurophysiology ever reveal to us what it is like to smell a skunk or to experience pain? In what does the feeling of happiness consist? How is it that changes in the white and gray matter composing our brains generate subjective sensations and feelings? These are several of the questions that Michael Tye addresses, while formulating a new and enlightening theory about the phenomenal what it feels like aspect of consciousness. The test of any such theory, according to Tye, lies in how well it handles ten critical problems of consciousness. Tye argues that all experiences and all feelings represent things, and that their phenomenal aspects are to be understood in terms of what they represent. He develops this representational approach to consciousness in detail with great ingenuity and originality. In the book's first part Tye lays out the domain, the ten problems and an associated paradox, along with all the theories currently available and the difficulties they face. In part two, he develops his intentionalist approach to consciousness. Special summaries are provided in boxes and the ten problems are illustrated with cartoons. A Bradford Book Representation and Mind series
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation Institute of Medicine, Board on Health Sciences Policy, Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, 2006-10-13 Clinical practice related to sleep problems and sleep disorders has been expanding rapidly in the last few years, but scientific research is not keeping pace. Sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome are three examples of very common disorders for which we have little biological information. This new book cuts across a variety of medical disciplines such as neurology, pulmonology, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, psychology, otolaryngology, and nursing, as well as other medical practices with an interest in the management of sleep pathology. This area of research is not limited to very young and old patientsâ€sleep disorders reach across all ages and ethnicities. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation presents a structured analysis that explores the following: Improving awareness among the general public and health care professionals. Increasing investment in interdisciplinary somnology and sleep medicine research training and mentoring activities. Validating and developing new and existing technologies for diagnosis and treatment. This book will be of interest to those looking to learn more about the enormous public health burden of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation and the strikingly limited capacity of the health care enterprise to identify and treat the majority of individuals suffering from sleep problems.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 National Research Council, Institute of Medicine, Board on Children, Youth, and Families, Committee on the Science of Children Birth to Age 8: Deepening and Broadening the Foundation for Success, 2015-07-23 Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, 2013 Helps students understand how culture impacts development in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Grounded in a global cultural perspective (within and outside of the US), this text enriches the discussion with historical context and an interdisciplinary approach, including studies from fields such as anthropology and sociology, in addition to the compelling psychological research on adolescent development. This book also takes into account the period of emerging adulthood (ages 18-25), a term coined by the author, and an area of study for which Arnett is a leading expert. Arnett continues the fifth edition with new and updated studies, both U.S. and international. With Pearson's MyDevelopmentLab Video Series and Powerpoints embedded with video, students can experience a true cross-cultural experience. A better teaching and learning experience This program will provide a better teaching and learning experience-- for you and your students. Here's how: Personalize Learning - The new MyDevelopmentLab delivers proven results in helping students succeed, provides engaging experiences that personalize learning, and comes from a trusted partner with educational expertise and a deep commitment to helping students and instructors achieve their goals. Improve Critical Thinking - Students learn to think critically about the influence of culture on development with pedagogical features such as Culture Focus boxes and Historical Focus boxes. Engage Students - Arnett engages students with cross cultural research and examples throughout. MyVirtualTeen, an interactive simulation, allows students to apply the concepts they are learning to their own virtual teen. Explore Research - Research Focus provides students with a firm grasp of various research methods and helps them see the impact that methods can have on research findings. Support Instructors - This program provides instructors with unbeatable resources, including video embedded PowerPoints and the new MyDevelopmentLab that includes cross-cultural videos and MyVirtualTeen, an interactive simulation that allows you to raise a child from birth to age 18. An easy to use Instructor's Manual, a robust test bank, and an online test generator (MyTest) are also available. All of these materials may be packaged with the text upon request. Note: MyDevelopmentLab does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase MyDevelopmentLab, please visit: www.mydevelopmentlab.com or you can purchase a ValuePack of the text + MyDevelopmentlab (at no additional cost): ValuePack ISBN-10: 0205911854/ ValuePack ISBN-13: 9780205911851. Click here for a short walkthrough video on MyVirtualTeen! http://www.youtube.com/playlist'list=PL51B144F17A36FF25&feature=plcp
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Consciousness and the Brain Stanislas Dehaene, 2014-01-30 WINNER OF THE 2014 BRAIN PRIZE From the acclaimed author of Reading in the Brain and How We Learn, a breathtaking look at the new science that can track consciousness deep in the brain How does our brain generate a conscious thought? And why does so much of our knowledge remain unconscious? Thanks to clever psychological and brain-imaging experiments, scientists are closer to cracking this mystery than ever before. In this lively book, Stanislas Dehaene describes the pioneering work his lab and the labs of other cognitive neuroscientists worldwide have accomplished in defining, testing, and explaining the brain events behind a conscious state. We can now pin down the neurons that fire when a person reports becoming aware of a piece of information and understand the crucial role unconscious computations play in how we make decisions. The emerging theory enables a test of consciousness in animals, babies, and those with severe brain injuries. A joyous exploration of the mind and its thrilling complexities, Consciousness and the Brain will excite anyone interested in cutting-edge science and technology and the vast philosophical, personal, and ethical implications of finally quantifying consciousness.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology Harris L. Friedman, Glenn Hartelius, 2015-06-22 THE WILEY-BLACKWELL HANDBOOK OF Transpersonal Psychology The new Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology is a necessity today. Many transpersonal psychologists and psychotherapists have been waiting for such a comprehensive work. Congratulations to Harris Friedman and Glenn Hartelius. May this book contribute to an increasingly adventurous, creative, and vibrant universe. —Ingo B. Jahrsetz, President, The European Transpersonal Association The Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology is an outstanding, comprehensive overview of the field. It is a valuable resource for professional transpersonal practitioners, and an excellent introduction for those who are new to this wide-ranging discipline. —Frances Vaughan, PhD. Psychologist, author of Shadows of the Sacred: Seeing Through Spiritual Illusions Finally, the vast literature on transpersonal psychology has been collected in what is clearly the essential handbook for psychologists and others who have either too apologetically endorsed or too critically rejected what undoubtedly will define psychology in the future. If you are not a transpersonal psychologist now, you will be after exploring this handbook. No longer can one dismiss the range of topics confronted by transpersonal psychologists nor demand methodological restraints that refuse to confront the realities transpersonal psychologists explore. This is a marvelous handbook—critical, expansive, and like much of what transpersonal psychologists study, sublime. —Ralph W. Hood Jr., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga With contributions from more than fifty scholars, this is the most inclusive resource yet published on transpersonal psychology, which advocates a rounded approach to human well-being, integrating ancient beliefs and modern knowledge. Proponents view the field as encompassing Jungian principles, psychotherapeutic techniques such as Holotropic Breathwork, and the meditative practices found in Hinduism and Buddhism. Alongside the core commentary on transpersonal theories—including holotropic states; science, with chapters on neurobiology and psychometrics; and relevance to feminism or concepts of social justice—the volume includes sections describing transpersonal experiences, accounts of differing approaches to healing, wellness, and personal development, and material addressing the emerging field of transpersonal studies. Chapters on shamanism and psychedelic therapies evoke the multifarious interests of the transpersonal psychology community. The result is a richly flavored distillation of the underlying principles and active ingredients in the field.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: The Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness Mark Solms, 2021-02-16 A revelatory new theory of consciousness that returns emotions to the center of mental life. For Mark Solms, one of the boldest thinkers in contemporary neuroscience, discovering how consciousness comes about has been a lifetime’s quest. Scientists consider it the hard problem because it seems an impossible task to understand why we feel a subjective sense of self and how it arises in the brain. Venturing into the elementary physics of life, Solms has now arrived at an astonishing answer. In The Hidden Spring, he brings forward his discovery in accessible language and graspable analogies. Solms is a frank and fearless guide on an extraordinary voyage from the dawn of neuropsychology and psychoanalysis to the cutting edge of contemporary neuroscience, adhering to the medically provable. But he goes beyond other neuroscientists by paying close attention to the subjective experiences of hundreds of neurological patients, many of whom he treated, whose uncanny conversations expose much about the brain’s obscure reaches. Most importantly, you will be able to recognize the workings of your own mind for what they really are, including every stray thought, pulse of emotion, and shift of attention. The Hidden Spring will profoundly alter your understanding of your own subjective experience.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Core Psychiatry E-Book Padraig Wright, Julian Stern, Michael Phelan, 2012-01-08 A new edition of a highly successful, award winning textbook for trainee psychiatrists, covering in one volume all the subjects required for the new MRCPsych and similar exams. Written in a highly engaging manner, it will also prove invaluable to qualified psychiatrists who need to keep up-to-date with the latest developments, as well as clinical psychologists, general practitioners, psychiatric nurses and senior medical students Concise yet comprehensive, Core Psychiatry relfects the latest developments in the curriculum plus all that is new and essential in clinical practice and the sciences that underpin it. It includes new information on the new Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act as well as enhanced sections on psychopharmacology, old age psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry and rehabilitation. The book also makes refernce to the latest NICE guidelines and includes new sections on sleep medicine and trauma psychiatry. New edition of a popular MRCPsych curriculum based text Previous edition ‘Highly Commended’ (Mental Health category) in the BMA Awards 2005 Contains useful summary boxes, lists and key points to make last minute learning easy Comprehensive and authoritative resource written by contributors to ensure complete accuracy and currency of specialist information Chapters prepared by specialists working in conjunction with trainees – content totally up-to-date and jointly written by authors who have recently been in the exam situation Contains the latest findings in sleep medicine and trauma psychiatry Expanded section on psychology – including social psychology – to reflect the latest MRCPych examination format Text updated in full to reflect the new Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act Relevant chapters now contain a ‘skills and competency’ section to reflect changes in MRCPsych curriculum Updating and amendments to improve coverage of old age psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry and rehabilitation Contains reference to the latest NICE guidelines in boxes and tables Enhanced discussion of the use of the best current management options, both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic, the latter including CBT, DBT, EMDR and psychodynamic group, couple and family therapy.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Suggestive Therapeutics Hippolyte Bernheim, 1880
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Progresses in Artificial Intelligence and Neural Systems Anna Esposito, Marcos Faundez-Zanuy, Francesco Carlo Morabito, Eros Pasero, 2020-07-09 This book provides an overview of the current advances in artificial intelligence and neural nets. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods have shown great capabilities in modelling, prediction and recognition tasks supporting human–machine interaction. At the same time, the issue of emotion has gained increasing attention due to its relevance in achieving human-like interaction with machines. The real challenge is taking advantage of the emotional characterization of humans’ interactions to make computers interfacing with them emotionally and socially credible. The book assesses how and to what extent current sophisticated computational intelligence tools might support the multidisciplinary research on the characterization of appropriate system reactions to human emotions and expressions in interactive scenarios. Discussing the latest recent research trends, innovative approaches and future challenges in AI from interdisciplinary perspectives, it is a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in academia and industry.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Handbook of Cognition Koen Lamberts, Robert L. Goldstone, 2005 The Handbook of Cognition provides a definitive synthesis of the most up-to-date and advanced work in cognitive psychology in a single volume. The editors have gathered together a team of world-leading researchers in specialist areas of the field, both traditional and `hot' new areas, to present a benchmark - in terms of theoretical insight and advances in methodology - of the discipline. This book contains a thorough overview of the most significant and current research in cognitive psychology that will serve this academic community like no other volume.
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Consciousness Susan Blackmore, Emily T. Troscianko, 2018-04-27 Is there a theory that explains the essence of consciousness? Or is consciousness itself an illusion? Am I conscious now? Now considered the 'last great mystery of science', consciousness was once viewed with extreme scepticism and rejected by mainstream scientists. It is now a significant area of research, albeit a contentious one, as well as a rapidly expanding area of study for students of psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience. This edition of Consciousness, revised by author team Susan Blackmore and Emily Troscianko, explores the key theories and evidence in consciousness studies ranging from neuroscience and psychology to quantum theories and philosophy. It examines why the term ‘consciousness’ has no recognised definition and provides an opportunity to delve into personal intuitions about the self, mind, and consciousness. Featuring comprehensive coverage of all core topics in the field, this edition includes: Why the problem of consciousness is so hard Neuroscience and the neural correlates of consciousness Why we might be mistaken about our own minds The apparent difference between conscious and unconscious Theories of attention, free will, and self and other The evolution of consciousness in animals and machines Altered states from meditation to drugs and dreaming Complete with key concept boxes, profiles of well-known thinkers, and questions and activities suitable for both independent study and group work, Consciousness provides a complete introduction to this fascinating field. Additional resources are available on the accompanying companion website: www.routledge.com/cw/blackmore
altered state of consciousness psychology definition: Get High Now (without drugs) James Nestor, 2009-09-09 Get High Now is an illustrated, mind-blowing magic carpet ride of more than 175 ways to alter human perception and consciousnesswithout drugs or alcohol. Culled from science, physiology, spiritual practices, and the audio visual arts, these all natural highs playfully and safely explore the mind-body connection to entertaining and illuminating effect. Accessible and well-researched, each entry introduces concepts such as lucid dreaming, optical and auditory illusions, controlled breathing, meditation, time compression, and physical and mental exercises, explaining the ways in which they affect our minds and bodies and how to do them. Readers follow the author and his HighLab testing team through mind-bending and sometimes hilarious investigations, such as how to lull the mind into hallucinatory states with audio loops; why multiple bee stings lead to euphoric states; what cheeses to eat to induce psychedelic lucid dreams; how to control your breathing to create an out-of-body experience; and many more. Including solo, tandem, and group highs, Get High Now features hundreds of ways to calm or stimulate the senses and open new windows to experiencing the world.