A consensus taxonomy of altered (nonordinary) states of consciousness: Bringing order to disarray.
Etzel Cardeña, Aviva Berkovich‐ohana, Katja Valli, Pablo Barttfeld, Àlex Gómez-marín, Bruce Greyson, V. K. Kumar, Steven Laureys, T. M. Luhrmann, Andrew B. Newberg, Katrin H. Preller, Frank W. Putnam, Enzo Tagliazucchi, Roger Walsh, Olivia Carter, David B. Yaden
Psychology of Consciousness Theory Research and Practice June 12, 2025 DOI: 10.1037/cns0000431 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Taxonomic classification with modified Delphi methodology Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Taxonomy biology Consciousness Order exchange Political science Cognitive science |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key finding | Eight distinct phenomenological/behavioral states of altered consciousness were identified: proto and transitional, delirium, minimal to no awareness, experiential detachment, enhanced physicality, altered identity, imaginary/fantasy/visionary, and unity/mystical. |
Abstract
This article presents a taxonomy of altered states of consciousness, primarily based on their central phenomenological features. Following taxonomic principles and a modified Delphi methodology, a multidisciplinary, international group identified eight distinct phenomenological/behavioral states (some with subcategories): proto and transitional, delirium, minimal to no awareness, experiential detachment, enhanced physicality, altered identity, imaginary/fantasy/visionary, and unity/mystical. We hope this taxonomy will be discussed and developed further, fostering conceptual clarity and stimulating research and integration across different specializations. A nuanced discussion of different states should reveal what is common and different across different triggers and antecedents of altered states of consciousness, and encourage their phenomenological, psychological, cultural, and neuroscientific understanding. This will pave the way for an integrated understanding of different modalities of experiencing.