An Assessment of Contextual Mediation in Trance States of Shamanic Journeys
Abstract
30 experiences of shamanic journeys derived from Harner (1990) were analyzed based on a recent coding scheme for contextual variables proposed by Lange, Houran, Harte, and Havens. Consistent with previous research, the experiential content of the trances was quite consistent with the content of the available contextual variables, and embedded cues in particular ( r = .68, p < .001). As predicted, trance states of shamanic journeys are sufficiently structured to suppress contextual effects on the modality of experience. The findings suggest that the contents of shamanic trance are not solely influenced by psychopathology, biochemical effects, or cultural influences.
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Studies reported visual and auditory hallucinations during shamanic trance (N = 30).
“visual and auditory hallucinations (N = 30) [14]”
From Scoping review on shamanistic trances practices (2024) · cites this paper as [14]
Supernatural beliefs were apparent in only one-third of 30 shamanic trance experiencers derived from Harner.
“Supernatural beliefs were also reported as apparent in only one-third of 30 shamanic trance experiencers derived from Harner [11, 14].”
From Scoping review on shamanistic trances practices (2024) · cites this paper as [14]
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- Authors
- Houran, J., Lange, R., & Crist-Houran, M.
- Affiliations
- University of Illinois at Springfield (US)
- Venue
- Perceptual and Motor Skills
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 1997-08
- Volume
- 85
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 59-65
- ISSN
- 0031-5125 (ISSN-L)
- 1558-688X
- OpenAlex
- W2095225894
- Cited by
- 26
- References
- 21
- Citations by year
- 2024: 1 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 1 · 2012: 2
- FWCI
- 4.27
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Perceptual and Motor Skills (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs
- Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Pain Management and Placebo Effect
- Keywords
- shamanic journey, trance states
- MeSH terms
- Female, Hallucinations, Humans, Magic, Male, Medicine, Traditional, Models, Psychological, Mysticism, Parapsychology, Spiritualism, Shamanism
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