An Integrated Model of the Main States of Consciousness
Imagination, Cognition and Personality March 1, 1988 DOI: 10.2190/2b3u-fj1x-xc5w-6mrv (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes a multidimensional model that distinguishes four main states of consciousness and characterizes each along physiological, perceptual, and experiential dimensions. Argues that this model, together with conceptions of information metabolism and its protective mechanisms, provides a new perspective for describing human activity, especially relaxation and resting activity. |
Abstract
This model of the main states of consciousness synthesizes interdisciplinary data. It describes and differentiates four main states of consciousness: “ordinary waking states of consciousness,” “differentiated waking states of consciousness” – including “ultraconsciousness states,” “REM sleep” and “slow-wave sleep.” Each state is described along the following dimensions: sleep – wakefulness, rhythm and rest – activity rhythm; activity of the hypnogenic and activating physiological system; brain hemispheric activity; the threshold of the extero- and interoceptive stimuli reception; perceptual dominance of stimuli from external or internal sources; activity-vividness of imagination; degree of rational feeling of experiences; changing one's experience of control over the content and form of one's own experiences; active or passive state of mind – changing dominance of either contemplation or action; feed-back relation with the surroundings. This model together with the conception of metabolism of information and the conception of protective mechanisms of metabolism of information suggest a perspective for a new description of human activity, especially of relaxation and resting activity.