Trait absorption as predictor of altered states of consciousness across three relaxation induction methods

Guided meditation reduced arousal and time-related thoughts compared to a control condition or a Ganzfeld (multimodal sensory stimulation) condition, indicating decreased mind wandering and enhanced relaxation. In the Ganzfeld condition, reduced body boundary salience was linked to positive emotional states. Higher trait absorption predicted diminished body boundary salience in both the control and Ganzfeld conditions, suggesting that individual differences in absorptive capacity modulate susceptibility to altered-states-of-consciousness-like experiences. The findings highlight both shared and distinct effects of different Restricted Environmental Stimulation Techniques (REST) variants on subjective experiences.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of three variants of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Techniques (REST)—guided meditation, multimodal Ganzfeld (MMGF), and a control resting condition—on subjective experiences related to altered states of consciousness (ASC). Specifically, the study examines emotional responses, time perception, and perceived body boundaries, while also assessing the role of trait absorption as an individual difference variable. In a within-subjects design, 48 healthy participants without prior meditation experience completed three counterbalanced 25-minute sessions across the three conditions. Measures included the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), Subjective Time, Self, and Space Scales (STSS), Perceived Body Boundaries Scale (PBBS), and the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS). Results revealed that guided meditation significantly reduced arousal and time-related thoughts compared to both the control and Ganzfeld conditions, indicating decreased mind wandering and enhanced relaxation. Correlational analyses demonstrated that positive affect and low arousal were associated with fewer time-related thoughts and faster perceived time in the control condition. The Ganzfeld condition linked reduced body boundary salience to positive emotional states as well as positive affect with a faster passage of time. In the meditation condition lower arousal was associated with reduced sense of body boundaries. Regression analyses further indicated that higher trait absorption predicted diminished body boundary salience in both the control and Ganzfeld conditions, suggesting that individual differences in absorptive capacity modulate susceptibility to ASC-like experiences. Overall, the findings highlight both shared and distinct effects of REST variants on experiences and underscore the importance of personality traits in shaping subjective responses to reduced environmental stimulation.