Trance states: a theoretical model and cross-cultural analysis

Ethos • Vol/Iss. 14(2) • American Anthropological Association • • Published In • Pages: 174-203 •
By Winkelman, Michael James

Abstract

This article offers a detailed analysis of neuropsychopsiological processes involved in altered states of consciousness (ASC) in order to design and evaluate a psychophysiological model of trance states. Cross-cultural hypotheses concerning ASC are tested.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Researcher's own, other researcher's

Hypotheses (10)

HypothesisSupported
There will be a relationship between amnesia and trance state, particularly possessionSupported
There will be a relationship between the presence of tremors/convulsions and trance states, particularly possessionSupported
There will be a relationship between illness and trance states, particularly possessionSupported
There will be a relationship between spontaneous onset of conditions and trance states, particularly possessionSupported
There will be a relationship between compulsive motor behavior and trance states, particularly possessionSupported
The variables related to temporal lobe discharges are predictors of trance typeSupported
Temporal lobe conditions will be associated with selection for some trance trainingSupported
Possession trance beliefs in the context of religious practitioner training will be associated with higher social complexitySupported
"both psychological variables related to temporal lobe dysinhibition and social variables related to political integration have a strong predictive value in explaining the incidence of possession trance states (198)"Supported
"If there is a single type of trance state the continuous representation [of data on trance induction procedures/ characteristics differences] should be more accurate than the discrete representation(188)"UNKNOWN
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: emily.pitek