Exploring Altered States of Consciousness in Anxiety and Depression: Evidence from Float Therapy
Theo Tobel, Aidan Cone, Emily Choquette, McKenna Garland, Mordechai Walker, Caitlin Lynch, Keller Mink, Micah Johnson, Joel Frohlich, Justin Fesinstein, Nicco Reggente, Sahib Khalsa
Quick Summary
This study explored the therapeutic effects of Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) on anxiety and depression, finding that participants who floated in a pool experienced significantly greater reductions in anxiety and negative affect compared to those in a zero-gravity chair control. Results showed that Floatation-REST evokes selective alterations in consciousness, particularly in the dimensions of Oceanic Boundlessness and Anxious Ego Dissolution, in anxious and depressed individuals. The therapeutic benefits appear to be mediated primarily by changes in Oceanic Boundlessness and interoceptive awareness, with body sensation pleasantness (especially heartbeat pleasantness) strongly predicting reduced negative affect and anxiety at follow-up.