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The utilization of non-drug induced altered states of consciousness in borderline recidivists.

J E Spear

American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis October 1, 1975 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.1975.10403785 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Case study Case report Peer reviewed
Sample size 49
Population Borderline recidivists determined by the Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole Office, District II
Interventions Non-drug induced altered states of consciousness interior reflection behavior modification reprogramming of conscious attitudes and values
Duration Two and one-half years
Topics Altered states of consciousness
Keywords Humans Rehabilitation Self concept Social values Awareness Criminal psychology Behavior therapy Adolescent Adult Female Relaxation therapy
Key findings Among 49 voluntary borderline recidivists who underwent a program combining non-drug induced altered states of consciousness with behavior modification and value reprogramming, the recidivism rate was less than 5% over two and one-half years. The authors suggest that such non-drug altered states combined with indirect and symbolic techniques may be the most effective means of criminal rehabilitation.

Abstract

Utilizing non-drug induced altered states of consciousness, various modes of interior reflection, behavior modification and reprogramming of conscious attitudes and values were utilized with 49 borderline recidivists. Such offenders were so determined by the Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole Office, District II. No coercion was used to induce such individuals to enter the program and there was no reprisal for stopping therapy at any time. Over a two and one-half year period the recidivist rate among this group was less than 5%. It is suggested that non-drug induced altered states of consciousness combined with indirect as well as symbolic techniques may prove to be the most effective means of criminal rehabilitation.

Comparable studies

Other case reports and case series on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator 2001 Case study n = 1
Neural effects and phenomenology of nondual meditation and 5-MeO-DMT in an expert meditation practitioner Advanced meditator and Lama from the Mahāmudrā meditation tradition 2025 Case study n = 1
Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis With Serial Negative MRI Findings: An Evaluation Using Autoimmune Psychosis Criteria. 15-year-old male with anti-NMDAR encephalitis 2025 Case study n = 1
Case report: Maintaining altered states of consciousness over repeated ketamine infusions may be key to facilitate long-lasting antidepressant effects: some initial lessons from a personalized-dosing single-case study. A 62-year-old patient with treatment-resistant depression and over 20 years of... 2023 Case study n = 1
This is your brain on death: a comparative analysis of a near-death experience and subsequent 5-Methoxy-DMT experience An individual who experienced a near-death experience during a coma caused by bacterial... 2023 Case study n = 1

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