States of Consciousness
Key knowledge:
•changes in a person’s psychological state due to levels of awareness, controlled and automatic processes, content limitations, perceptual and cognitive distortions, emotional awareness, self-control and time orientation
•consciousness as a psychological construct that varies along a continuum, broadly categorised into normal waking consciousness and altered states of consciousness (naturally occurring and induced)
•changes in a person’s psychological state due to levels of awareness, controlled and automatic processes, content limitations, perceptual and cognitive distortions, emotional awareness, self-control and time orientation
•consciousness as a psychological construct that varies along a continuum, broadly categorised into normal waking consciousness and altered states of consciousness (naturally occurring and induced)
Daydreaming
We daydream when we shift attention to our private thoughts, feelings and imagined scenarios, and daydreaming is regarded as an altered state of consciousness. Daydreams tend to be visualised thoughts that are usually positive and pleasurable. We spend an enormous amount of time daydreaming – anywhere from a third to a half of our waking life. Daydreaming is experienced throughout the lifespan, although it appears to be less frequent as we get older. In a large, 24-year longitudinal study, it was noted that, with age, there was a decrease of the frequency and intensity of daydreams in adulthood, with females showing greater decline (Giambria 1999). Daydreaming has been associated with good mental health and stability. They may also offer an insight into our personality, motives and concerns. By studying their nature and content, daydreams may provide a pathway to recognising and understanding a person’s personality, motivation, fears and concerns. Most of us accept that daydreams are a normal part of life, although many people see daydreaming as a negative event. For example, have you ever been in trouble for daydreaming? It seems clear, however, that daydreams are not necessarily the waste of time our society might suggest. ‘Zoning out’ can have benefits – spontaneous thoughts can make us feel vibrant, aware and engaged. WHY IS DAYDREAMING CONSIDERED TO BE AN ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS? Just like sleep, daydreaming is a natural and common phenomenon that we all experience. The characteristics of daydreaming include:
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Alcohol-induced states
The most common method of deliberately altering states of consciousness is through the use of psychoactive drugs. Psychoactive drugs are chemical substances that affect the nervous system and brain activity. As a result, they impact on our consciousness by altering thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviours. Psychoactive drugs generally target specific neurotransmitters – chemicals that allow communication between neurons (nerve cells) that are responsible for the function of our nervous system, including the brain. Deliberately altering consciousness with alcohol is a widely accepted practice in our society despite the growing awareness of the dangers associated with this common drug. The psychological and physiological effects of alcohol can create long- term physical, social and personal problems. The effects can be devastating. Alcohol is a depressant – it slows or depresses the nervous system. Many people mistakenly believe that alcohol is an ‘upper’ or a stimulant. This misconception is probably because, in low doses, alcohol reduces inhibitions and may cause a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Thus, a person who has consumed alcohol may seem more stimulated, active and talkative than usual but this is most likely because of reduction of inhibitions. In high doses, alcohol depresses the nervous system so much that it slows down vital life processes and can cause blackouts, comas and even death. In Australia, alcohol is legal and highly accessible, although laws prohibit the selling of alcohol to those under 18 years of age. This is despite the huge negative impact that alcohol abuse has on our society. The effects of alcohol can be severe, e.g. irreversible memory disorder (Korsakoff’s syndrome), enlargement and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), impact on the teen brain, negative social consequences (dysfunctional home and work relationships, isolation, fights) and serious injury or death. These effects make alcohol, arguably, the most dangerous drug in our society. Alcohol is consumed to purposely alter a person’s state of consciousness. The degree to which a person experiences the effects of alcohol depends on a number of factors, including tolerance levels (alcohol is a drug of addiction), rate of consumption, gender, height and weight. The characteristics of an alcohol-induced state include:
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