A consensus taxonomy of altered (nonordinary) states of consciousness: Bringing order to disarray.
Psychology of Consciousness Theory Research and Practice June 12, 2025 Etzel Cardeña, Aviva Berkovich‐ohana, Katja Valli et al. 11 citations
A multidisciplinary, international group used taxonomic principles and a modified Delphi method to create a taxonomy of altered states of consciousness based on central phenomenological features. They identified eight distinct states, some with subcategories: proto and transitional, delirium, minimal to no awareness, experiential detachment, enhanced physicality, altered identity, imaginary/fantasy/visionary, and unity/mystical. The authors hope this taxonomy will foster conceptual clarity and stimulate research across specializations, helping reveal what is common and different across triggers and antecedents of altered states, and encouraging phenomenological, psychological, cultural, and neuroscientific understanding.