Exploring Mystical-Type Experiences Through Auto-Induced Cognitive Trance

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, vol. 73, pp. 469–484

Abstract

Mystical-type experiences can be induced through techniques like hypnosis and meditation. These experiences are common in near-death experiences (NDEs) and have been linked to paranormal beliefs. This study explored auto-induced cognitive trance (AICT) as a method to induce mystical-type experiences and NDE outside of life threatening situations (NDE-like), as well as examining the influence of factors like religious/spirituality practices, and paranormal beliefs. Twenty-seven participants capable of self-inducing AICT were studied. Before the experiment, their religious/spirituality practices and paranormal beliefs were assessed. Participants underwent five conditions: rest, rest with auditory stimulation, imagination, AICT, and AICT with auditory stimulation. Experience intensity, mystical-type experiences, and NDEs-like were measured before and after AICT and rest. Results showed that AICT induce mystical-type experiences more frequently (29%) compared to the rest condition (0%). More specifically, the intensity of the experience and features of NDEs-like during AICT were linked to mystical-type experiences during AICT only. This is the first study to demonstrate that AICT can induce mystical-type experiences in healthy individuals.

Authors 8

1. Aminata Bicego corresponding Aachen Cognitive Psychology Unit Social Sciences Faculty

   Leiden University · University of Liège

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University

   Liège University

   Cognitive Psychology Unit, Social Sciences Faculty, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Naji Alnagger

   University of Liège · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège

   Affiliation as printed

   Liège University

   Liège University Hospital

3. Etzel Cardeña

   Lund University

   Affiliation as printed

   Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology, Lund University

   Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

4. Corine Sombrun
   Affiliation as printed

   TranseScience Research Institute

   TranseScience Research Institute, Paris, France

5. Charlotte Martial

   University of Liège · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège

   Affiliation as printed

   Liège University

   Liège University Hospital

6. Jitka Annen

   University of Liège · Ghent University · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Data Analysis, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium

   Liège University

   Liège University Hospital

7. Olivia Gosseries corresponding

   University of Liège · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège

   Affiliation as printed

   Liège University

   Liège University Hospital

8. Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse corresponding

   University of Liège · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège

   Affiliation as printed

   Algology Interdisciplinary Center, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium

   Liège University