Altered States

1. Altered States Consciousness

2. Consciousness • Many psychologists questioned whether it could be studied. • Now many believe it can be studied through talking and brain waves.

3. Constructs • Psychological construct: a concept used to talk about something we cannot see, touch , or measure. • A construct effects behavior • Examples are intelligence, emotions (love)

4. Meanings -3 types • Generally means Awareness • Sensory awareness • Direct inner awareness • Sense of self

5. Sensory Awareness • Senses are aware the environment • You are aware of things outside of yourself. • You are not always aware of the environment. It is sometimes selective. • Ex-in classroom you have to tune out all other noises to focus. • Sometimes we are conscious of unusual stimuli.

6. Direct Inner Awareness • Abstract concepts • Aware of things inside yourself • You do not hear, touch see or smell these things but you are aware of them • Being angry, can’t touch anger but you know you were angry.

7. Sense of Self • We are aware of ourselves and our existence. • Young kids are not aware of themselves. They don’t refer to themselves by their name. • “Taylor wants milk” The world might change but you have a sense of self.

8. Levels of Consciousness • Preconscious • Unconscious • Nonconscious

9. Preconscious • Ideas are not in your awareness but you could recall them if you had to. • You direct your attention to them.

10. Unconscious • Sometimes referred to as subconscious • Unavailable to awareness; info. Is hidden • Freud believed some memoires are so painful and impulses are aggressive and unacceptable. • We hide these memories in the subconscious.

11. Nonconscious • Biological functions exist • Finger nails are growing but you can’t feel them.

12. Freud

13. Altered States • Sleep • Drugs • Meditation • Hypnosis • Biofeedback (progressive relaxation)