Research Question:
To what extent does an induced altered state of consciousness influence subconscious perceptions?
Introduction:
I always conducted meditation retreats during holidays, and on the previous holiday, I decided to participate in deep meditation practice. During this meditation, I felt a deep shift in my awareness and extreme levels of connection with my surroundings. Out of this discovery and personal meditation practices, there was an urge to explore how the induced altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions. In elaboration and definition, consciousness can be the awareness of individual thoughts, perceptions, feelings, and environment (surroundings) at a given moment. Consciousness creates our sense of self and what we believe to be real or, in other words, what we call our reality. The sense of self is created through awareness of what one is doing, the reason for that, and the awareness that others are discerning what we are doing. Directly, it is difficult for others to know what we are thinking, feeling, or our perception, and it is also difficult for us to convey this to others. Additionally, it is hard for others to measure other people’s consciousness since it’s personal and private.
William James ( 1842 – 1910) was able to study the experience of consciousness, where he could put across the phrase the stream of consciousness. In this, he was able to view consciousness as an ever-changing series of thoughts that can shift from one moment to another, like the way water flows in a stream(Nazareth et al.23). James was able to point out that our consciousness experience is continuous, ever-changing, personal experience, selective, and active. These findings by William James are the backbone of this extended essay. Throughout the day, one’s awareness of internal activities and external surroundings varies, and this is because one has times when they are alert and sometimes when drowsy. Again, it is thought that consciousness operates on a continuum, from a high level of consciousness to the point where one is unconscious or unaware.
The state of consciousness can be defined as the level of awareness of internal activities and external surroundings, and it can be divided into two categories. These categories are the altered states of consciousness and normal waking consciousness. However, in the case of this extended essay, the states of consciousness that will be studied will be altered state of consciousness. The normal walking consciousness occupies the middle part of the continuum, as illustrated in the previous figure. In contrast, the states of the altered state of consciousness exist in both the upper and the lower part of the continuum. The lower part of the continuum is during the reduced awareness. In contrast, the upper part of the continuum is during the heightened awareness, and this can be illustrated in the image depicted below:
Figure 2: Ilustration of contnum awareness
An altered state of consciousness is referred to as a state of consciousness that drifts from the normal walking state. In Simplified words, it can be referred to as a state where an individual cannot be reflectively aware of their mental content or surroundings. This can also be inferred as detachment from the surroundings. This can be due to the differences in our awareness, memories, perceptions, sense of time, and behavior. The altered states of consciousness can be induced, and this can occur either naturally or deliberately. This induction can be produced by psychological drugs that include alcohol, sleep and daydreaming, meditations, and hypnosis, and sometimes, the altered states can also induced through religious activities. This can lead to subconscious perceptions, which is the process through which the mind processes information below the level of conscious awareness. This ends up influencing the emotions and behavior of a person without them being aware.
Subconscious perceptions occur when one is able to receive information through hearing, testing, and smelling, even when they are unconscious. The subconscious in psychology indicates the part of the memory that involves memories and motivation that are present in the consciousness. This consciousness is influenced by our surroundings and upbringing and might influence our behavior and perception without even us being aware. Hence, a connection can be established between the altered state of consciousness and subconscious perceptions. This research will propose to investigate to what magnitude this altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions.
Methodology:
The research on this extended essay is dependent on secondary research that was conducted on primary case studies that investigated the influence of induced altered state of consciousness on subconscious perceptions. The case studies used in this research examined the induced altered states of consciousness, such as meditation and the use of psychological drugs, though there were few that focused on the induced altered states of consciousness that are done through religious practices. The sources that were utilized for the secondary data include Google Scholar, Psych Info, and Pubmed, where they offered various case studies conducted on the influence of the induced altered state of consciousness on subconscious perceptions. The reason why it was not possible to conduct the research using primary data was because of time constrain and limited resources for conducting this research. The studies were also observed to have Diverse methodologies that included qualitative, experimental, and observation. The research methodology also utilized the thematic analysis to identify the trends and patterns that appear to repeat themselves in the selected studies. These themes included the method that was used to carry out the induced altered state, what changes were noted, and what their influence was on the subconscious perceptions. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the studies, and this assisted in obtaining the necessary information supporting the idea.
Supporting Evidence:
There are various supporting evidence that support the fact or idea that an induced altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions, and examples include studies that have been conducted on meditation. These studies on meditation have shown that increased activities in the neural have been contributed by altered perception of time and changes in the regulation of emotions. In providing an example of these studies on meditation is the study conducted by psychologists from the Universities of Kent and Written / Herdecke. Based on their study finding, it was illustrated that mindfulness meditation has the power to alter the temporary perception of time of the person undergoing the practice of meditation (Kramer et al.750). These findings were supported by requesting individuals to listen to audiobooks or perform a meditation exercise that was designed to assist the individual in focusing on the movement of their breathing. Individuals who participated in the meditation found that time periods felt too long compared to those who listened to the audiobook. The finding by this psychologist researcher supports the idea that an induced altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions since meditation is an example of an induced altered state of consciousness. Through this induced altered state of consciousness via meditation, an individual perception of time is altered, which demonstrates the influence of subconscious perceptions.
Studies that have also been conducted on the area of hypothesis have also supported the idea that an induced altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions. To be more specific, this has been pointed out by studies that have investigated brain imaging and the hypnotic state. An example of this study is the study conducted by Del Casale in the year 2012, where they were able to find out that imagining studies and hypotheses are influenced by global changes that occur in brain functioning (Howes et al. 156). Using these findings, it can be found that there is a strong connection between the induced altered state of consciousness and subconscious perceptions. This is because meditation being an example of an altered state of consciousness, alters the individual subconscious, and this can change the individual perceptions and emotions. In continuation, studies conducted in the area of psychedelic substances such as LCD have reported cases of altered perception and cognition, and this suggests the effects on the subconscious. These studies have shown that the use of such drugs causes an individual subconscious to be altered and increases the likelihood of the individual having different perceptions, feelings, and emotions. An example of this study is the study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, where they investigated the psychedelic experience and found out that individuals who undergone the psychedelic experience had altered beliefs. For instance, the attribution of consciousness grew from 33 % to 57 % due to the psychedelic experience(Hall et al.27) . These findings demonstrate that an altered state of consciousness, such as the use of psychedelic drugs, can influence subconscious perceptions by altering beliefs.
The first scholar to study how an induced altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions was Arnold Ludwing in 1966, who was able to define an altered state of mind. His definition of an altered state of mind was that it is a mental state that is induced by physiological or psychological factors that shift away from the normal walking consciousness (Shuai et al.89). It was also pointed out by him that these altered states can be felt by the individual who is experiencing them or the observer who is observing that individual. This work laid the foundation for understanding ASCs more and how they impact subconscious perceptions. For instance, the studies conducted on neuroscientifics assist in understanding the mechanism that is behind the altered perception. To be more in-depth studies conducted on functional magnetic resonance and electroencephalography show that during the altered states, there increased brain activities.
There are also recent studies that have been conducted that demonstrate that an induced altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions. Examples of this study include a study conducted by Rebbeca Rogerson and Rebbca Barnstapple. It was pointed out by them that one is able to feel like they are floating or flying or they hyper-aware of things such as sound, light, or smell, and this is what they called the perception of an altered state of consciousness (Rogerson et al.56). This was contributed by an increase in brain activity and signal, and they also showed that when a person thing they are in an altered state and their brain activity changes. Brain scanning was conducted on an individual who was in a trance state, and the scan showed that brain signals had alterations. They found out that the region of the brain that was experiencing this alteration was activated by the music so as to induct the altered state of consciousness. During the scan, the subject reported that they could feel physical sensations of fingers that were tangling, a sound that is associated with entering a trance; they were also hyperawareness of light. The subject, in addition, also reported that they felt as if they were frying or inflation over something, rapid fluttering of the eyelid, and elevated levels of breathing. Connecting this study conducted by Rebbeca Rogerson and Rebbca Barnstapple in the New York University of Physiological Research to the research topic shows that an induced altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions. This is because, based on the report of the individual’s brain, it can be seen that their brain was able to process information below the level of conscious awareness.
Religion can also be a form of induced altered state of consciousness that influences the subconscious perceptions. This is because activities carried out during religious activities, such as prayers and speaking in tongues, cause one to shift to a position where they are disconnected from their surroundings. This may contribute to one having their subconscious perceptions altered, and an example of a study conduct that supports this is the study conducted by Thomas Alsop. He investigated how activities such as meditation carried out by Buddhists and speaking in tongues carried out by Pentecostals influence one perception, and he found that it alters one perception to a considerable extent (Blaz et al.12) . Individuals who are religious-oriented tend to have the perceptions that are directed in one region compared to those who do not believe in any religion.
The other method that induces the altered state of consciousness is sleep or daydreaming. This can have the ability to influence someone’s subconscious perceptions. Sleep can be defined as the state at which one shifts from their attention to the activities that are currently happening. This creates an opportunity where the mind is able to wander into memories or thoughts that are internal through dreams. Hence, sleep or daydreaming is an altered state of consciousness that influences someone’s subconscious perceptions, and this is because, during the state of sleep, the mind of a person is still conscious and wondering. Previous studies have shown that daydreaming occurs when some parts of the brain are able to experience sleep while others are functioning properly(Windt et al.220). This causes some parts of the brain to wander and create scenarios in our minds that can change our subconscious perceptions. During this daydreaming experience, our performance in daily activities is reduced, and this enables us to retreat to our own thoughts, which can also shape our perception. Perceptions and unconscious impulses influence our waking moments, and this shapes our thoughts and behavior without us being aware.
Counter Evidence:
Even though there is a lot of supporting evidence for the idea that an induced altered state of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions, as seen in the previous section of supporting evidence, it is important to consider the counter-evidence. Examples of the counter-evidence are studies that have been conducted and have reported that induced altered state of consciousness shows variation in individual responses(Sebastian et al.20) . This shows that not every individual experiences the same level of subconscious perceptions due to an induced altered state of consciousness. There is even an individual whose subconscious is not influenced at all during the induced altered state of consciousness, and this discredits the fact that subconscious perceptions are influenced by the altered state of consciousness.
There are other studies that counter the argument of an induced altered state of consciousness influencing subconscious perceptions by coming up with the argument that an altered state of consciousness is only about perception and not consciousness. These studies separate the idea of subconscious perceptions by pointing out that the altered state of consciousness is about perception. An Example of this study is the study conducted by Samhita, where they were able to summarize four phenomena. These phenomena included hallucinations, and they suggested that the occurrence of false internal simulations affects the perception. The changes in the relative strengths result in the breakdown of the five senses, which results in the three basic states of hallucinations(Samhita et al.70). Samhita raises the argument that the altered state of consciousness is not related to consciousness but perception. Then, it can be counter-argued that an induced altered state of consciousness does not affect the subconscious perceptions.
It is also counter-argued that the altered state of consciousness does not influence the subconscious; instead, it alters the conscious. This counters the argument that an altered state of consciousness has the power to affect the subconscious perception. An example of this study is the study conducted by Cofré et al.670). There are also individuals and scholars who raise the argument that the altered state of consciousness is mainly contributed by the placebo effects and individual expectations(Cofré et al.670). This shows that an altered state of consciousness may not affect the subconscious perceptions, and this is because it is mainly shaped by pre-knowledge or experiences.
There was evidence that sleep through dreams induces an altered state of consciousness, which ends up causing our mind to wonder. This mind wandering creates an opportunity for the perceptions to be developed in our subconscious. Despite this, there was a study that refuted this by saying that dream is associated with the subconscious mind, but they are not subconsciousness(Vedfelt et al.89). It is said that they originate from the interaction between different parts of the brain, and this includes conscious and consciousness. Due to this, it can not be said to the fullest that an altered state of consciousness impacts subconscious perceptions. Despite this argument and evidence that counter the idea-induced altered state of consciousness does affect the subconscious perceptions, they do not fully counter this idea. Hence, it would be evidence-based that, to a considerable extent, an altered state of consciousness has a considerable impact on subconscious perceptions.
Discussion and Evaluation:
A huge number of studies supported the idea that an altered state of consciousness impacts subconscious perceptions compared to those that countered this idea. Those that supported the idea were based on the methods used to induce the altered state of consciousness, and some of these methods included meditation, hypnosis, and psychedelic substances. This can also be known as an example of an altered state of consciousness. The practice of meditation is where an individual uses techniques to train their awareness and attention. This enables one to achieve a calm state of mind, and this creates a raised awareness that enables one to transition to an altered state of consciousness from normal waking consciousness. During this process, which occurs in the subconscious, the individual experiences different perceptions about their beliefs and reality. This demonstrated that an altered state of consciousness impacts subconscious perceptions. As one proceeds further, hypnosis induces an altered state of consciousness through absorbing awareness, the relaxation of the body, and even the disorientation from one surroundings. It is considered an altered state of consciousness because it causes a shift to the direction of sleep without actually the individual falling from sleep. This creates an opportunity for one to have different perceptions in one’s own subconscious, and this solidifies the idea that an altered state of consciousness impacts subconscious perceptions.
Using psychedelic substances such as LCD is also a form of altered state of consciousness since it creates extreme levels of alteration in the consciousness to the point of creating hallucinations. This causes elevated levels of awareness where one is able to process information that can alter one’s own perception of reality and belief. Due to the insight of Using psychedelic substances, it can be modified that the idea that an altered state of consciousness impacts subconscious perception is true. It can also be added that the use of drugs that contain marijuana can also cause an induced state of consciousness, which influences subconscious perception. Religion can also cause an induced altered state of consciousness since most religions use an induced altered state of consciousness to communicate with their higher power. This altered state of consciousness in religion can be achieved through dancing and prayers. This can alter one subconscious perception. In counter-evidence, some of the arguments that the altered state of consciousness does not affect the subconscious perceptions but alter consciousness . It was also argued that the altered state of consciousness is only about perception, not consciousness. Another argument raised was that there is variation in the induced altered state of responses. These arguments create another perspective of investigation showing that an altered state of consciousness may influence subconscious perceptions to an extreme magnitude.
Although the research methodologies varied among the studies, most of them were conducted on methods that were used to induce the altered state of consciousness. These methods included meditation, hypnosis, psychedelic substances such as LCD , and brain activity associated with music. This method of inducing the altered state of consciousness made the studies more effective and assisted in increasing the validity of the fact that the altered state of consciousness can contribute subconscious perceptions. The number of participants used in the studies was quite high, and this facilitated the generalizability of the research finding in a large population. The fact that the studies used the same number of males and females was crucial since it assisted in reducing the issue of gender bias. Collecting the articles and case studies that were published and reviewed on websites such as Google Scholar and Pubmed was essential since it assisted in obtaining articles that were peer reviewed. This indicated that the information gathered or collected in the studies was trustworthy for making a judgment.
The studies also shared some limitations where most of them depended on reported information instead of physical experiments, and this might have lowered the credibility of the research findings. In addition, the other limitation was that not too much research has been conducted on the area of this research, and this made it hard to find studies that support or counter the idea suggested by the initial research. Using secondary data in conducting this research comes with limitations since depending on it may introduce biases. This is because the secondary studies might have been compiled by scholars who were oriented in one direction of the research, thus affecting the current study findings. The studies also failed to provide a quantitative measure of the extent to which an altered state of consciousness impacts subconscious perceptions. This might have lowered the credibility of the research since it was not yet known to the fullest as to what magnitude the extent of impact is. The use of a limited number of studies in supporting the evidence was also in itself a form of limitation since it made it hard to gather more comprehensive information that could have supported the research.
Conclusion
The research aimed to investigate the influence of an altered state of consciousness on subconscious perceptions. To fulfillthis aim, the research considered the use of secondary data instead of primary data, and the secondary data was collected from case studies documented on websites such as Google Scholar and Phebmed. This website was instrumental, and it offered studies that supported and countered the idea behind this research. The supporting studies were more compared to the counter-evidence studies. This led to the findings that, to a considerable extent, an altered state of consciousness impacts subconscious perceptions, and this was supported by various studies pointed out in the supporting evidence section. The studies supported this idea by showing how various methods of altered state of consciousness end up affecting the subconscious perceptions by disconnecting them from the surroundings. These methods were not limited, but they included meditation and hyponesis. Though there were counter-evidence studies that were put forth, they were not able to fully refute the idea. This led to an established that, indeed, an altered state of consciousness impacts subconscious perceptions. The research findings indicate that the method of altered state of consciousness should be used with precaution so as to avoid interfering with one subconscious perception.
The research can be extended by comparing how these methods of inducing the altered state consciousness and how effective they are. This will assist in knowing which is the most effective medication to use and which has minimal side effects. Extending the research by use of primary data will also be helpful since it will assist in the determination of the magnitude of the extent to which altered states of consciousness influences subconscious perceptions.
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