3 papers in the library · 133 citations · publishing 2016-2017
Psychology of Consciousness Theory Research and Practice September 22, 2016 James K. Ambler, Ellen M. Lee, Kathryn R. Klement et al. 66 citations
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PLoS One May 13, 2016 Ellen M. Lee, Kathryn R. Klement, James K. Ambler et al. 42 citations
An extreme ritual involving temporary body piercings and dancing induced altered states of consciousness in both pierced dancers and non-pierced participants, as measured by tests of transient hypofrontality and flow. Both groups reported decreases in negative affect and psychological stress and increases in intimacy from before to after the ritual. However, physiological responses differed: pierced dancers showed increases in the stress hormone cortisol, while non-pierced participants showed decreases during the ritual. The ritual produced similar psychological effects but different physiological effects across participant roles.
Culture, health & sexuality April 1, 2017 Kathryn R. Klement, Ellen M Lee, James K. Ambler et al. 25 citations
Participation in an extreme BDSM ritual called the 'Dance of Souls'—involving temporary piercings with weights or hooks and dancing to drumming—increases physiological stress, as measured by cortisol levels, while simultaneously decreasing psychological stress and negative affect. Self-reported sexual arousal and feelings of self-other overlap also rose during the event. The 160-person ritual was studied through hormonal assays, behavioral observations, and questionnaires. Dancers reported motivations including spirituality, deepening interpersonal connections, stress reduction, and achieving altered states of consciousness.