A randomized controlled trial compared shared meditation (patients with cancer, caregivers, and third persons) to patient-only meditation. Both groups showed substantial improvement in self-efficacy, perceived stress, and mindfulness qualities. No significant difference in the primary outcome (Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale) was found between the two arms. However, patients in the shared meditation group showed a significant improvement in perceived self-efficacy and a reduction in feelings of isolation, which was not seen in the patient-only group. Participants reported a perception of improved quality of life. Shared meditation may help patients cope with cancer by reducing isolation.
Most people who float in a sensory isolation tank go through four distinct phases during a 60-minute session: acclimatization, a transitional phase, an altered state of consciousness (ASC), and finally reorientation. The ASC phase is marked by positive emotions, deep relaxation, loss of orientation in space and time, and reduced bodily sensations and thoughts. These characteristics emerge gradually and intensify over time. The findings suggest that the therapeutic benefits of Floatation-REST for mental health conditions may be linked to the experience of these altered states.