A phenomenological study of altered consciousness induced through movement
Shannon Len Deets
Dance, Movement & Spiritualities December 1, 2015 DOI: 10.1386/dmas.2.2.181_1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | Participants aged 24–62 years (eight female, eight male) with dance experience ranging from less than one year to over 50 years (mean 17 years) |
| Intervention | Authentic movement |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Philosophy of mind |
| Key findings | The analysis yielded heightened awareness as the essence of altered consciousness induced through authentic movement, with 21 themes and five processes formulated into a phenomenal descriptive model. The authors argue this model is harmonious with consciousness research across psychology, neuroscience, dance, anthropology, and religion. |
Abstract
Abstract: This study contributes to an understanding of phenomenal consciousness through analysing altered consciousness induced through authentic movement (ACIM). Data derived from qualitative interviews of sixteen participants (eight female, eight male) aged 24–62 years were analysed within Moustakas’ Transcendental Phenomenological Model. Participants’ dance experience varied from less than one year to over 50 years (mean seventeen years). Data yielded the theme of heightened awareness as the essence, with twenty one themes and five processes formulated into a phenomenal descriptive model of ACIM, harmonious within consciousness research across the disciplines of psychology, neuroscience, dance, anthropology and religion.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being Patients with depression, burn-out syndrome, and chronic pain | 2015 | Qualitative study | n = 8 |
| A Shaman's Cure: The Relationship Between Altered States of Consciousness and Shamanic Healing1 Nepalese shamans and their patients | 2009 | Ethnography | |
| Psychedelic Drugs: A Study of Drug-Induced Experiences Obtained by Illegal Drug Users in Relation to Stanislav Grof's Model of Altered States of Consciousness Anonymous former illegal drug users | 2000 | Qualitative study | n = 16 |
| Spiritual experiences and altered states of consciousness – Parallels between BDSM and Christianity Self-defined BDSM practitioners in Sweden | 2020 | Qualitative ethnographic study | n = 29 |
| When Seconds Turn Into Minutes: Time Expansion Experiences in Altered States of Consciousness People who reported Time Expansion Experiences | 2020 | Qualitative study | n = 74 |