What is What is Consciousness?Consciousness?Awareness of internal or external events or statesAwareness of internal or external events or statesMore than a simple state of awareness.More than a simple state of awareness.Difficult to define.Difficult to define.

Processes involved in ConsciousnessProcesses involved in Consciousness1. Attention1. Attention2. Intentionality2. Intentionality3. Subjectivity3. Subjectivity4. Perception4. Perception5. Learning & Memory5. Learning & Memory6. Emotions6. Emotions7. Associations7. Associations8. Awareness8. Awareness9. Arousal of the Nervous System9. Arousal of the Nervous System

The Brain’s JobThe Brain’s JobConsciousness Consciousness is a process is a process going on in the going on in the brain.brain.

Most of the Most of the brain’s brain’s functioning is functioning is for survival.for survival.Very little of the functioning of the Very little of the functioning of the brain is devoted to consciousness.brain is devoted to consciousness.

Altered States of ConsciousnessAltered States of ConsciousnessA Fundamental & Qualitative Shift in Mental Functioning which brings about a Distinctly Different Organizational Pattern of Subjective ExperienceAwareness is constantly shifting

Altered StatesDrugs, alcohol, sleep, daydreaming, hypnosis, meditation, etc.Daydreaming & fantasyNot sure of the value.There is an escape value.The problem occurs when daydreaming takes over your life.

Physical Physical RhythmsRhythms

Circadian RhythmsCircadian RhythmsMost studied biological rhythm due to Most studied biological rhythm due to its 24-hour cycle.its 24-hour cycle.

Sleep/wakefulness cycle is the easiest Sleep/wakefulness cycle is the easiest to detect because of its connection to to detect because of its connection to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamushypothalamus..

Human Physiological RhythmsUltradian Rhythms (Repeats Several Times/Day)Multiseconds: Muscular Action

Cellular DivisionSeconds: EEG

HeartbeatRespiration

Minutes: Blood Pressure90-Minute Cycle: Urination

Hemisphere Dominance

Circadian Rhythms (Repeats Daily)Sleep-wake Cycle, Hormone Balance, Short- & Long-term Memory, Mental Performances, Muscle Strength, Activity-rest Patterns

Infradian Rhythms (Longer than a Day)Weekly: Blood PressureMonthly: Sexual Cycles, Moods,

FertilityAnnual: Depression, Birth/Death

Rates,Disease Susceptibility

Centennial: Human Life Cycle

Rhythms of Rhythms of SleepSleep

4 Stages of 4 Stages of SleepSleepStages 1 through 4 Stages 1 through 4 constitute NREM sleep.constitute NREM sleep.

We cycle through the We cycle through the stages about every 90 stages about every 90 minutes.minutes.

Sleep requirements change Sleep requirements change as we age.as we age.

REM Sleep & DreamsREM Sleep & Dreams

REM sleep is called REM sleep is called “Paradoxical “Paradoxical Sleep”Sleep”Brain activity, heart rate, & blood pressure Brain activity, heart rate, & blood pressure resemble being awake.resemble being awake.

80% relationship between REM & dreams.80% relationship between REM & dreams.

Cycling through Cycling through the stagesthe stagesStage 1 is light sleep with slow brain Stage 1 is light sleep with slow brain waves.waves.

Stages 2 & 3 are more relaxed with Stages 2 & 3 are more relaxed with slower brain waves and no dreams.slower brain waves and no dreams.

Stage 4 is deep sleep.Stage 4 is deep sleep.

Sleep Sleep DeprivationDeprivation

Problems Problems encounteredencountered30% - 50% of students fall asleep in class at least 1 time a week.

Losing 1-2 hours of sleep each night produces attention problems, slows reaction time, produces unpredictable behavior, judgmental errors, & lowers productivity & decision-making ability.

How do you know if How do you know if you’re getting you’re getting enough sleep?enough sleep?Being put in a darkened room & you immediately fall asleep is the main symptom of chronic sleep loss.

You can reduce sleep loss by taking short naps during the day.

Sleep DisordersSleep DisordersSleep talkingSleep talkingSleep walkingSleep walkingTakes place mainly during Stage 4 sleep.More common among children than adults.

Night terrorsNight terrorsSuddenly sits up in bed screaming.Not due to any nightmare.Generally can’t be awakened.Refuses comforting.Usually occurs between the ages of 4 through 12.If it goes into adulthood it is seen in those with personality disorders or drug or alcohol problems.

Sleep DisordersSleep DisordersInsomniaInsomniaThe inability to fall or remain asleep.

Often it is temporary due to stress.

If it is chronic, medication is needed.

Other causes can include depression, worry, or fear, bad sleeping habits, & worrying about not sleeping.

Sleep DisordersSleep DisordersSleep Sleep ApneaApneaAn An inheritedinherited condition condition where where breathing becomes breathing becomes difficult while sleepingdifficult while sleeping..In In severe casessevere cases, breathing , breathing completely stopscompletely stops..This typically happens This typically happens hundreds of time each hundreds of time each night. night. Next dayNext day, you will , you will feel exhausted and sleepyfeel exhausted and sleepy, , generally falling asleep generally falling asleep during the dayduring the day..

NarcolepsNarcolepsyyAn An inheritedinherited condition condition where you will where you will nod off to nod off to sleep in the middle of a sleep in the middle of a conversationconversation..There is a There is a sudden loss of sudden loss of muscle tone at the muscle tone at the expression of any emotionexpression of any emotion..It appears to be connected It appears to be connected to a to a CNS defectCNS defect..

Theories of Theories of DreamsDreams

FreudFreudDreams represent unfulfilled wishes & reflect manifest & latent motives.They are expressions of primitive, amoral desires.

JungJungDreams are one way that the unconscious expresses itself. In dreams, this expression is archetypal and analogical. They can give you guidance toward individuation.What is the difference in how Freud and Jung would interpret this dream symbol ?

Theories of Dreams

Information Information Processing Processing TheoryTheoryDreams are a “time-out” to decide Dreams are a “time-out” to decide which information dealt with which information dealt with during the day should be filed in during the day should be filed in LTM.LTM.Support comes from brain scans & Support comes from brain scans & through interfering with REM through interfering with REM sleep.sleep.Disrupting REM sleep disrupts the Disrupting REM sleep disrupts the memory & newly learned material.memory & newly learned material.Scans show that specific areas Scans show that specific areas active during learning are also active during learning are also active during dreams.active during dreams.

Theories of Theories of DreamsDreams

Activation-Activation-Synthesis TheorySynthesis TheoryDreams are the by-products of the Dreams are the by-products of the mind’s attempt to make sense of mind’s attempt to make sense of the spontaneous changes in the the spontaneous changes in the physiological activity generated by physiological activity generated by the pons during REM sleep.the pons during REM sleep.

The cerebral cortex is trying to The cerebral cortex is trying to make sense out of the random make sense out of the random electrical discharges coming from electrical discharges coming from the brain stem during REM sleep.the brain stem during REM sleep.

Theories of Dreams

Emotional Emotional Processing Processing TheoryTheoryDreams integrate emotionally Dreams integrate emotionally significant material into significant material into previous experiences.previous experiences.We work through emotional We work through emotional problems during dreaming.problems during dreaming.Dreams are an extension of Dreams are an extension of our waking life & deal with our waking life & deal with conscious concerns.conscious concerns.The limbic system is highly The limbic system is highly active during dreaming.active during dreaming.

Comparing Comparing Dream Dream TheoriesTheories

The DepressantsThe DepressantsAlcoholAlcohol# 1 Drug problem in the U.S.Binge drinking on campus is a “tradition”.Heavy, chronic use harms every organ in the body.The leading cause of liver & kidney disease.Leads to cardiovascular disease and sexual dysfunction.Destroys neurons and can lead to Korsakoff’s Syndrome.There are social problems associated with use.A complex syndrome combining social, personal, psychological and genetic mechanisms.

The DepressantsThe DepressantsBarbituratesBarbiturates““Downers” “Sleeping Pills”Downers” “Sleeping Pills”General effects are similar General effects are similar to alcohol.to alcohol.Causes dependence.Causes dependence.

OpiatesOpiatesChemically, they resemble Chemically, they resemble the endorphins.the endorphins.Regular use leads to Regular use leads to tolerance & can create tolerance & can create physical dependence.physical dependence.Withdrawals include severe Withdrawals include severe cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, & convulsive kicking.& convulsive kicking.

The StimulantsThe StimulantsCaffeineCaffeineIt is natural in coffee, tea, & cocoa, It is natural in coffee, tea, & cocoa, & used in many beverages & OTC & used in many beverages & OTC medications.medications.

Maintains wakefulness & alertness Maintains wakefulness & alertness but its effects are illusory.but its effects are illusory.

It interferes with many prescribed It interferes with many prescribed medications & aggravates side medications & aggravates side effects of many psychiatric drugs.effects of many psychiatric drugs.

The StimulantsThe StimulantsNicotineNicotineTheThe most dangerousmost dangerous & addictive& addictive drugdrug in use.in use.

4 ½ times4 ½ times more addictingmore addicting than than heroin.heroin.

Chemical properties similar toChemical properties similar to cocaine, amphetamines, & cocaine, amphetamines, & morphinemorphine..

Affects the neurotransmitters Affects the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, norepinephrine, dopamine, epinephrine & serotonin.epinephrine & serotonin.

Withdrawals can continue for Withdrawals can continue for weeks & cravings can occur for weeks & cravings can occur for months & years.months & years.

The StimulantsThe StimulantsAmphetaminesAmphetamines“Uppers”Resemble epinephrine.Relieves fatigue (“pep pill”).Suppresses the appetite.Increases alertness & gives feelings of competence & well-being.“Crash” produces exhaustion & depression.They are habit forming.High doses produce personality change, paranoia, homicidal & suicidal thoughts, & violent behavior.

Amphetamine psychosis resembles paranoid schizophrenia.

The StimulantsThe StimulantsMethamphetamine is a Methamphetamine is a powerful form of powerful form of amphetamine.amphetamine.Short-term recreational Short-term recreational use of methamphetamine use of methamphetamine destroys dopamine destroys dopamine receptors in the brain.receptors in the brain.High doses of High doses of methamphetamine methamphetamine damages axon terminals damages axon terminals with dopamine & with dopamine & serotonin neurons.serotonin neurons.

The StimulantsThe StimulantsCocaineCocainePopular at the turn of the 20Popular at the turn of the 20thth century in many OTC drugs.century in many OTC drugs.

Was cheap & became expensive in Was cheap & became expensive in the 1970s.the 1970s.

Blocks the reabsorption of Blocks the reabsorption of dopamine making the high longer dopamine making the high longer & more intense.& more intense.

PPssyycchheeddeelliiccssLSD, psilocybin, LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, mescaline, peyote, & PCPpeyote, & PCPCauses shifts in perception.

Used by shamans in natural forms.

LSD was synthesized in 1943 from psilocybin.

Predrug personality is important as to the outcome.

There are no withdrawals, but a tolerance is built up.

MarijuanaMarijuanaGenerally Generally classified as an classified as an hallucinogenhallucinogenMost frequently used illegal drug in the U.S. & 4th most popular with students.Slightly hallucinogenic.Taken mainly for its relaxing qualities.Has physiological effects & does damage to the respiratory & cardiovascular system.It is 16 X more carcinogenic than tobacco.

EEccssttaassy y (MDMA)(MDMA)

Main Effects:Inhibits serotonin reuptake thusinducing release of serotonin &induces release of dopamine

Early studies Early studies indicated Ecstasy indicated Ecstasy destroyed destroyed dopamine dopamine receptors.receptors.Ecstasy actually affects serotonin receptors.Not known if the affect is permanent.

Studies Studies RetractedRetractedAccidentally, methamphetamine was injected instead of MDMA.Most of those who died while on MDMA were also taking other drugs.

Explaining Abuse & Explaining Abuse & AddictionAddiction

3 Main Factors3 Main Factors1. Biological FactorsGenetic predispositions

Inheritance of personality factors & the body’s ability to tolerate the drug.

2. Psychological FactorsLearning processes in the family (e.g. handling of stressful situations).

Expectations of feeling better.

Attitudes & beliefs about drugs, alcohol, etc.

3. Socio-culture FactorsThe social & cultural setting itself.

The culture’s view of certain drugs.

MeditationMeditationWhat is meditation?Directed Directed concentrationconcentrationIt’s focusing the It’s focusing the mind around a mind around a single thought, single thought, object, or activity object, or activity producing a state of producing a state of deep peacefulness deep peacefulness combined with a combined with a heightened sense of heightened sense of awareness.awareness.

Basic Meditation ProceduresBasic Meditation Procedures

Structured Structured MeditationsMeditationsCarefully defined in Carefully defined in all its inner all its inner activities & what activities & what you’re working you’re working toward.toward.

Lotus Meditation & Lotus Meditation & Breath Counting are Breath Counting are examples.examples.

Unstructured Unstructured MeditationsMeditationsThere are different There are different purposes in these purposes in these meditations.meditations.

You must think about a You must think about a subject & stay with it & subject & stay with it & your feelings about it. your feelings about it. The purpose is to The purpose is to loosen & free your loosen & free your personality structure in personality structure in a particular area for a particular area for growth in that area.growth in that area.

Types of Types of MeditationsMeditations

Path through the Path through the IntellectIntellectYou must first reach an intellectual You must first reach an intellectual understanding of the Physical & understanding of the Physical & Metaphysical Realities & the ways Metaphysical Realities & the ways these Realities perceive & relate to these Realities perceive & relate to the world.the world.

Then, through a series of Then, through a series of meditations, this understanding is meditations, this understanding is deepened & your personality deepened & your personality structure is strengthened.structure is strengthened.

Jnana Yoga & Chabad Chasidism

Types of Types of MeditationsMeditations

Path through the Path through the EmotionsEmotionsThe most widely used.The most widely used.Structured meditations loosen your Structured meditations loosen your feelings & expand your ability to feelings & expand your ability to relate to others, to care, & to love.relate to others, to care, & to love.The basic theory: the more free, The basic theory: the more free, untroubled, & complete you are, untroubled, & complete you are, the more you have overcome the the more you have overcome the cultural processes that stunt growth cultural processes that stunt growth & the better able you are in & the better able you are in relating to others.relating to others.You eventually learn there is no You eventually learn there is no separation between yourself and separation between yourself and the rest of the universe.the rest of the universe.Christian Monasticism & Bhakti Yoga

Types of Types of MeditationsMeditations

The Path through The Path through the Bodythe BodyYou become aware of your body & You become aware of your body & bodily movements & heighten this bodily movements & heighten this awareness through practice until awareness through practice until during the period of meditation, during the period of meditation, this awareness completely fills your this awareness completely fills your field of consciousness excluding all field of consciousness excluding all else.else.

Hatha Yoga, T’ai Ch’i, & the Hatha Yoga, T’ai Ch’i, & the Dervish dances of the SufiDervish dances of the Sufi

Types of Types of MeditationsMeditations

The Path of The Path of ActionActionYou learn how to “be” & to perceive & to relate to the world during the performance of a particular type of skill.

The long, hard practices of the discipline strengthens the personality.

The concentration is on the performance & nothing else.

The real goal is your growth as a person.

Zen Archery, Aikido, Karate, & Kung fu

HypnosisHypnosisWhat is hypnosis?An altered state of An altered state of consciousness with consciousness with heightened heightened suggestibility.suggestibility.It is NOT a state of sleep.It is NOT a state of sleep.

The EEG pattern is the The EEG pattern is the same as being awake.same as being awake.

The body is relaxed & the The body is relaxed & the mind is alert.mind is alert.

The traditional view of hypnosisThe traditional view of hypnosis

Misconceptions about HypnosisMisconceptions about Hypnosis

You can be made to You can be made to do anything the do anything the hypnotist wants.hypnotist wants.You’re totally You’re totally unconscious.unconscious.You’ll fall over You’ll fall over because you’re so because you’re so relaxed.relaxed.You have to be in a You have to be in a really deep state for really deep state for suggestion to work.suggestion to work.You can be made to You can be made to go as deep as the go as deep as the hypnotist wants.hypnotist wants.

The hypnotist is in The hypnotist is in control of you.control of you.You can be made to You can be made to act like a chicken.act like a chicken.If you’re left alone If you’re left alone in hypnosis, you’ll in hypnosis, you’ll be stuck there for be stuck there for the rest of your life.the rest of your life.The hypnotist The hypnotist basically bores you basically bores you into hypnosis.into hypnosis.People who aren’t People who aren’t very bright make very bright make the best subject.the best subject.

Hypnotic Induction Hypnotic Induction ProceduresProcedures

AuthoritarianThe hypnotist orders the hypnosis.The hypnotist orders the hypnosis.Personality variables are important Personality variables are important here.here.

PermissiveHypnotist lets the subject do what Hypnotist lets the subject do what s/he wants to do.s/he wants to do.Wording is very important because the Wording is very important because the subject takes what is said literally.subject takes what is said literally.