Altered States of Consciousness

Prompt #11:What is consciousness? **Think about what it would look like, features, what you do or do not do, etc. What would an altered state of consciousness be? Give an example.

Altered State of Consciousness Definition: Any condition which is significantly different from a normal waking state Induced changes (almost always temporary) Altered State of Consciousness

Biofeedback

Biofeedback How does it work? Definition: process of learning to control bodily states using specialized machines How does it work? Machines tell a person about subtle bodily changes Including—brain waves, heart rate, skin temperature, sweat- gland activity Try different thoughts and feelings while watching the effect on their bodies Learn to alter physiological processes in time Biofeedback

Biofeedback Example Thomas Budzynski (1973) Taught to relax muscle in the forehead to reduce tension headaches Later—wrote books on treating PTSD, ADHD, depression, anxiety Biofeedback

Why is biofeedback considered an altered state of consciousness? Turn-and-talk

Meditation

Definition: focusing of attention to clear one’s mind and produce relaxation Helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate Three major approaches: Transcendental Meditation Mindfulness Meditation Breath Meditation Meditation

Transcendental Meditation Mental repetition of a mantra (e.g., Om) Sit with eyes closed and meditate for 15- 20 minutes 2X a day Transcendental Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation Focus on the present moment Body, breath, and thoughts Mindfulness Meditation

Breath Meditation Concentrate on breathing process Provides focus and sense of calm Breath Meditation

Why is meditation considered an altered state of consciousness? Turn-and-talk

Sleep Log & Dream Journal

Hypnosis

True or False Only people with little willpower can be hypnotized. False—Creative people with high intelligence make the best subjects for hypnosis. True or False

Being hypnotized is similar to being totally absorbed in a book or movie. True—Either the hypnotist or the subject can end the hypnotic state at will. True or False

True or False The majority of people cannot be hypnotized. False—About nine out of ten people can be hypnotized. The best subjects are those who have a good reason to undergo hypnosis. True or False

True or False Subjects always tell the truth while under hypnosis. False—People under hypnosis try to tell the truth. But they are so anxious to please the hypnotist that they will make up answers to fill in gaps in their memories. True or False

Definition: narrowed focus of attention; people become highly suggestible to changes in behavior and thought Hypnosis

Hypnosis How does it work? Shifting perceptions Focus on one small aspect of reality; ignore all else Relaxation – forget outside anxiety Trust – increase cooperation Hypnosis

Uses of Hypnosis Habits/Phobias Posthypnotic suggestion – suggestion made during hypnosis that influences the participant’s behavior afterward Helps to recall or suppress certain information Hypnotic analgesia – reduction of pain Helps the patient relax and reduce anxiety  perception of pain is reduced Habits/Phobias Uses of Hypnosis

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