Study Links Anomalous Experiences to Subconscious Connectedness
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Today (15 hours ago)
2 minute read.
A study has identified a strong association between anomalous experiences - such as déjà vu, out of body sensations, and premonitions - and a psychological trait known as subconscious connectedness.
Published in the Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice, the study was conducted by Olafur S. Palsson, a professor emeritus of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The research involved over 2,200 adults across the United States.
Subconscious connectedness is described as a heightened interaction between an individual’s conscious and subconscious mind. This trait was measured using the Thought Impact Scale, developed by Palsson. Individuals with elevated levels of this trait were significantly more likely to report frequent anomalous experiences.
“These findings suggest that having frequent anomalous experiences is not an unusual or pathological aspect of human psychology, but rather it is strongly associated with having certain other psychological traits and experiencing the world in a more intuitive and absorptive way”, Palsson stated.
The study found that participants with higher levels of subconscious connectedness also displayed greater levels of dissociation, magical thinking, absorption, and intuitive cognitive styles. They were more inclined to engage in creative activities and showed higher susceptibility to hypnosis.
Additionally, individuals with high subconscious connectedness were more likely to experience stress-related physical symptoms, including migraines and irritable bowel syndrome.
Palsson's findings challenge the traditional view that anomalous experiences are rare or inherently linked to mental illness. Instead, the study indicates these experiences are relatively common among individuals with particular psychological characteristics.
The research contributes to broader efforts to understand the psychological foundations and prevalence of anomalous experiences in the general population.
Published in the Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice, the study was conducted by Olafur S. Palsson, a professor emeritus of medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The research involved over 2,200 adults across the United States.
Subconscious connectedness is described as a heightened interaction between an individual’s conscious and subconscious mind. This trait was measured using the Thought Impact Scale, developed by Palsson. Individuals with elevated levels of this trait were significantly more likely to report frequent anomalous experiences.
“These findings suggest that having frequent anomalous experiences is not an unusual or pathological aspect of human psychology, but rather it is strongly associated with having certain other psychological traits and experiencing the world in a more intuitive and absorptive way”, Palsson stated.
The study found that participants with higher levels of subconscious connectedness also displayed greater levels of dissociation, magical thinking, absorption, and intuitive cognitive styles. They were more inclined to engage in creative activities and showed higher susceptibility to hypnosis.
Additionally, individuals with high subconscious connectedness were more likely to experience stress-related physical symptoms, including migraines and irritable bowel syndrome.
Palsson's findings challenge the traditional view that anomalous experiences are rare or inherently linked to mental illness. Instead, the study indicates these experiences are relatively common among individuals with particular psychological characteristics.
The research contributes to broader efforts to understand the psychological foundations and prevalence of anomalous experiences in the general population.
