An Evolutionary Leveled Model of the Main States of Consciousness
Imagination Cognition and Personality June 1, 1991 DOI: 10.2190/3q4b-bjny-r8bb-xjr0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 12 |
| Key points | Proposes a multileveled model of consciousness in which four main states (ordinary waking, differentiated waking, REM sleep, non-REM sleep) form a horizontal dimension and five developmental levels (instinctive, reflexively-conditioned, prelogical, logical, supralogical) form a vertical dimension. Argues that different psychological approaches focus on different levels and that the model integrates some contemporary theories of altered states, including sleep theories. |
Abstract
A rationale for a multileveled description of states of consciousness is presented, as a continuation of an integrated model of the main states of consciousness. The previous model described and distinguished four main states of consciousness: ordinary waking states of consciousness, differentiated waking states of consciousness, REM sleep, and non-REM sleep. These are considered now in a horizontal level. A vertical, developmental dimension is introduced. Five levels: instinctive, reflexively-conditioned, prelogical, logical, and supralogical are described specifically for each level of experiencing of consciousness in terms of anatomical localization, typical mechanisms of cognition, emotion, and decision making. It is suggested that different psychological approaches focus on different levels. This model enables an integration of some contemporary theories of altered states of consciousness, including sleep theories.