Religious Ecstasy and Other Intense Emotions

Ecstatic and mystical states, whether achieved through hyperarousal or hypoarousal, can contribute to human flourishing and a positive sense of the sacred. Fisher's model of ergotropic and trophotropic arousal provides a neurophysiological basis for these states, which minimize focus on the ego in favor of union with a larger consciousness. Such states are facilitated by various procedures and, when placed in a proper set and setting, support well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Positive psychology and the psychology of religion share an interest in understanding positive emotions and their contribution to human flourishing. The focus of this chapter is upon ecstatic and mystical states framed within Fisher’s model of ergotropic and trophotropic arousal allowing for a neurophysiological correlate of two states of consciousness widely recognized in the psychology of religion that minimizes focus upon the ego in favor of union with a larger consciousness that may or may not be interpreted in religious terms. Whether ecstatic states based upon hyperarousal or mystical states base upon hypoarousal, the state of consciousness achieved by each means can be documented to be facilitated by a variety of procedures that when placed within a proper set and setting contributes to both human flourishing and a positive sense of the sacred.