Phenomenology and Interpretations of Sleep Paralysis with an Aotearoa New Zealand Sample: Cultural Nuances and Clinical Implications
Francesca Sullivan, Nicole Lindsay
Kōtuitui New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online March 29, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/kot2.70025 (opens in new tab)
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Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative phenomenological study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand who experience isolated sleep paralysis |
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Aotearoa Interpretative phenomenological analysis Phenomenology philosophy Sleep paralysis Thematic analysis Coping psychology Qualitative research Perception Phenomenological method Denial Generalizability theory |
| Key findings | Participants interpreted ISP through spiritual or biomedical models, and reluctance to disclose the experience arose from fear of being labeled mentally ill or judged for spiritual worldviews. |
Abstract
Isolated sleep paralysis (ISP) is a temporary state of immobility that occurs during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. Although described as hallucinations within biomedical discourse, frightening multisensory perceptions can often accompany muscle atonia, giving rise to numerous cultural, spiritual, and supernatural explanatory models. Presently, no studies have investigated the experience within Aotearoa New Zealand. In this qualitative phenomenological study, 12 individuals were recruited using stratified purposive sampling and interviewed regarding their experience(s) of ISP. Utilizing inductive thematic analysis, key themes were organized into three main categories: Phenomenological Characteristics, Interpretations, and Coping Strategies. While phenomenological features were congruent with existing global findings, two major interpretive models were identified: spiritual and biomedical, which influenced how ISP was understood, explained, and responded to by participants. Participants conveyed a reluctance to disclose ISP for fears of being labeled mentally ill, while others felt judgment toward their spiritual worldviews. To ascertain generalizability to the wider Aotearoa New Zealand population, a larger quantitative follow‐up study is recommended.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on philosophy of mind, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences Cardiac arrest survivors | 2018 | Qualitative study | n = 34 |
| Phenomenology and Sequelae of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Use Psychiatrists who had taken MDMA | 1992 | Qualitative study | n = 20 |
| A phenomenology of meditation-induced light experiences: traditional buddhist and neurobiological perspectives American Buddhist practitioners | 2014 | Qualitative study | |
| Evoking the ineffable: The phenomenology of extreme sports. Extreme sports participants across three continents, including BASE jumping, big wave... | 2017 | Qualitative study | n = 15 |
| Phenomenology and content of the inhaled N, N-dimethyltryptamine (N, N-DMT) experience. Naturalistic inhaled N,N-DMT experiences posted to the r/DMT Reddit community | 2022 | Qualitative analysis | n = 3,778 |
Citations in the library
Cites 22
- A systematic review of variables associated with sleep paralysis Sleep Medicine Reviews June 8, 2017
- The Nightmare Experience, Sleep Paralysis, and Witchcraft Accusations Folklore 2003
- Isolated sleep paralysis: Clinical features, perception of aetiology, prevention and disruption strategies in a large international sample. Sleep Medicine April 1, 2023
- When the Truth Is Out There: Counseling People Who Report Anomalous Experiences. Frontiers in Psychology January 4, 2022
- Beliefs about sleep paralysis in Turkey: Karabasan attack. Transcultural Psychiatry June 1, 2021
and 17 more in the library