Characteristics of Altered States of Consciousness

Question 1

Define: altered state of consciousness

Answer 1

Any level of internal and external awareness that deviates from normal waking consciousness.

Question 2

What types of altered states of consciousness can occur naturally, and what types are deliberately induced?

Answer 2

Natural: sleeping, dreaming, daydreaming

Deliberately induced: meditation, drugs & alcohol

Question 3

Describe levels of awareness in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 3

They are generally lower.

Question 4

Describe levels of attention in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 4

Attention is lower because the levels of awareness are lower; impaired selective and divided attention likely.

Question 5

Describe content limitations in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 5

Because selective attention is impaired, content is less restricted; may encounter bizarre thoughts.

Question 6

Describe controlled and automatic processes in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 6

Impaired, we are not aware enough to perform them successfully.

Question 7

Describe perceptual distortions in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 7

Senses may be heightened or dulled (eg. due to stimulants and depressants) and may be distorted (eg. loss of identiy and outer body experiences)

Question 8

Describe cognitive distortions in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 8

Memory impairment, lowered problem solving ability, illogical and disorganised thoughts.

Question 9

Describe emotional awareness in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 9

May be uncharacteristic of the person or inappropriate

Question 10

Describe self-control in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 10

Less able to control their emotions and inhibitions; control of movement and coordination impaired.

Question 11

Describe time orientation in an altered state of consciousness.

Answer 11

Time may be experienced more quickly or more slowly.