Exploration of trance states: phenomenology, brain correlates, and clinical applications
Olivia Gosseries, Nolwenn Marie, Yannick Lafon, Aminata Bicego, Charlotte Grégoire, Victor Oswald, Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse
Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences May 9, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101400 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Trance Phenomenology philosophy Psychotherapist Psychoanalysis Cognitive psychology Epistemology Anthropology |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key findings | Trance states have identifiable phenomenological features and neural underpinnings, and show promise for clinical applications. |
Abstract
This review provides an exploration of trance states, covering their phenomenology, neural mechanisms, and clinical uses. Trance states, present in diverse cultural contexts from shamanic practices to modern adaptations, have recently captured the interest of researchers and clinicians. Here, we delve into the phenomenological aspects of trance experiences, highlighting the most common features. Employing cutting-edge neuroscientific methods, we also report findings on the neural underpinnings of trance states. Furthermore, we look into the practical applications of such states in clinical settings. By bridging subjective experiences, neuroscience, and clinical relevance, this review enhances our understanding of trance states and their possible uses.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on philosophy of mind, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Consciousness: A Philosophy of Mindfulness and Somaesthetics | 2008 | Review article | |
| Phenomenology, Structure, and Dynamic of Psychedelic States | 2016 | Review | |
| Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates. | 2018 | Review | |
| The lived experience of psychosis: a bottom-up review co-written by experts by experience and academics. Individuals with lived experience of psychosis, family members, and carers | 2022 | Co-written bottom-up review | |
| From autopoiesis to neurophenomenology: Francisco Varela's exploration of the biophysics of being. | 2003 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- Phenomenology of auto-induced cognitive trance using text mining: a prospective and exploratory group study. Neuroscience of Consciousness 2024
- Understanding individual differences in non-ordinary state of consciousness: Relationship between phenomenological experiences and autonomic nervous system. International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP 2025
- Therapeutic Use of Auto-Induced Cognitive Trance in a Chronic Pain Setting: A Case Study Using Mixed Methodology OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine March 5, 2025
- Exploring Mystical-Type Experiences Through Auto-Induced Cognitive Trance. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 2025
- Trance practice and well-being measures: the case of Auto-Induced Cognitive Trance medRxiv July 17, 2026
and 6 more in the library
Cites 23
- Brain changes during a shamanic trance: Altered modes of consciousness, hemispheric laterality, and systemic psychobiology Cogent Psychology April 24, 2017
- Brain Network Reconfiguration and Perceptual Decoupling During an Absorptive State of Consciousness. Cerebral Cortex July 1, 2016
- The Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale: Development and psychometric validation Consciousness and Cognition November 1, 2020
- Neural Correlates of the Shamanic State of Consciousness Frontiers in Human Neuroscience March 18, 2021
- Mindfulness in the focus of the neurosciences - The contribution of neuroimaging to the understanding of mindfulness. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience October 17, 2022
and 18 more in the library