Altered States of Consciousness: A Comparison of Profoundly and Superficially Altered States

A questionnaire survey of 295 adolescents and adults distinguished two types of altered states of consciousness. Superficially Altered States (SACS) involve disturbances in reality perception, self-awareness, and cognition, often occurring in everyday life, solitude, or during poor well-being. Profoundly Altered States (PASC) involve experiences related to the absolute, universal, eternal, or existential and religious matters, accompanied by extremely strong positive emotions and significantly fewer cognitive disturbances than SACS. PASC occur mainly in religious contexts. The findings suggest these two categories represent qualitatively different experiences.

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Abstract

Superficially Altered States of Consciousness (SACS) and Profoundly Altered States of Consciousness (PASC) are described as a result of analyses of results of a questionnaire survey of 295 subjects—adolescents and adults. The comparison of the experiences accompanying these states indicates that SASC are characterized by disturbances in experiencing the reality, one's self, and in cognitive processes. Meanwhile, PASC are accompanied by experiences related to an absolute, universal, eternal, and existential or religious matters. PASC are accompanied by extremely strong positive emotions and are experienced with significantly less feelings of cognitive disturbances than in SASC. PASC occur mainly in the context of religion, whereas SASC in everyday life, solitude, and poor well being.