Alterations to self consciousness during mindfulness meditation and Flotation REST a comparative study
June 30, 2023 Matt Gwyther, Jane E. Aspell 3 citations preprint
Flotation-Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) and mindfulness meditation both produce altered states of consciousness, including ego-dissolution and mystical-type experiences. Ego-dissolution scores exceeded ego-inflation scores in both groups, and Mystical Experience Questionnaire scores fell between those from low and high doses of psilocybin. Weakening of perceived body boundaries predicted greater ego-dissolution and mystical experience scores only in the mindfulness meditation group. Having an existing meditation practice was linked to stronger altered states in that group. Past psychedelic use did not predict the degree of altered consciousness, but openness to experience did. Combining validated measures with phenomenological analysis helps describe the rich conscious states produced by these interventions.