Occurrence of Altered States of Consciousness: An Overview
Imagination Cognition and Personality September 1, 1992 DOI: 10.2190/kk0n-bmpu-cwd6-1jxc via Elsevier
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA review of literature on how often altered states of consciousness occur finds that phenomena such as hallucinations, peak experiences, mystical states, hypnotic-like experiences, and out-of-the-body experiences are rather common in normal populations. Few studies directly estimate occurrence rates, so indirect studies were included. The author emphasizes that no other clear conclusions can be drawn from existing data and calls for further empirical research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Normal populations |
| Key finding | Altered states of consciousness phenomena are rather common in normal populations, but no other clear conclusions can be drawn from existing data. |
Abstract
The article presents a comprehensive review of literature on the occurrence of altered states of consciousness. Only few studies directly aim at the estimation of occurrences of altered states of consciousness, therefore indirect studies are also included. They present data on the frequency, in normal populations, of such phenomena as: hallucinations, peak experiences, mystical states, hypnotic-like experiences, out-of-the-body experiences. In general, presented frequencies suggest that such phenomena are rather common. However, the author emphasizes the lack of any other clear conclusions from the existing data and expresses the need for further empirical research.