Skip to content

An ego-psychological theory of altered states of consciousness

Erika Fromm

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis October 1, 1977 DOI: 10.1080/00207147708415992 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Meditation Altered states of consciousness
Keywords Hypnosis Consciousness Creativity Fantasy Psychotherapist Cognitive psychology Psychoanalysis
Citations 39
Key points Proposes a new ego-psychological theory for understanding altered states of consciousness, focusing on dichotomies of ego functions and processes.

Abstract

Abstract In this paper a new ego-psychological thmry is proposed for the understanding of altered stah of consciousness. The diehob mies of primary and secondary process, ego activity and ego receptivity, and automatization and de-automatization of ego functions in daydreaming, in the inspirational phase of creativity, in hypnosis, in psychedelic stabs, and in meditation are discussed; so are the roles of fantasy, imagery, and various forms of attention.

Explore topics