Exploring Mystical-Type Experiences Through Auto-Induced Cognitive Trance.
Aminata Bicego, Naji Alnagger, Etzel Cardeña, Corine Sombrun, Charlotte Martial, Jitka Annen, Olivia Gosseries, Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse
The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis January 1, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2025.2544055 via PubMed
Summary
Auto-induced cognitive trance (AICT) can induce mystical-type experiences more frequently than a resting condition, with 29% of participants reporting such experiences during AICT compared to none in the rest condition. The intensity of these experiences and features resembling near-death experiences were specifically linked to the AICT sessions. This study highlights the potential of AICT to elicit mystical-type experiences outside of life-threatening situations.
Study at a glance
| Design | observational cohort |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 27 |
| Population | healthy individuals capable of self-inducing auto-induced cognitive trance |
| Key finding | AICT induces mystical-type experiences more frequently than rest, with 29% of participants reporting such experiences during AICT. |
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.