An ego-psychological theory of altered states of consciousness
International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis October 1, 1977 DOI: 10.1080/00207147708415992 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA new ego-psychological theory explains altered states of consciousness by examining dichotomies: primary versus secondary process, ego activity versus ego receptivity, and automatization versus de-automatization of ego functions. These dichotomies are applied to daydreaming, the inspirational phase of creativity, hypnosis, psychedelic states, and meditation. The roles of fantasy, imagery, and various forms of attention are also discussed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Hypnosis Consciousness Creativity Fantasy |
| Citations | 39 |
| Key finding | 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.