Cognitive Health and Differential Cortical Functioning in Dissociative Trance: An Explorative Study About Mediumship

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Parapsychology

Background:

• Trance mediumship is a spiritual practice involving communication with deceased beings.
• Understanding the cognitive profile of individuals engaged in such practices is crucial for scientific inquiry.
• Previous research on the cognitive effects of trance mediumship is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cognitive functioning of trance mediums in Brazil.
• To explore potential differences in cognitive abilities between experienced and less experienced mediums.
• To assess mental health indicators within this population.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen spirit mediums in Brazil participated, divided into a more experienced group (MEG, >10 years) and a less experienced group (LEG, 1-5 years).
• Cognitive functions were assessed using the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Verbal Fluency Test (FAS), digit span, cube, and five digit tests (FDT).
• Mental health was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ), and Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ).

Main Results:

• Participants generally performed at or above the median on the BCSB and digit span tests compared to Brazilian norms.
• Statistical significance (p=0.038) was found on the FDT, with better performance in those recognizing trance before age 21.
• No major depression was indicated by the BDI; however, 21% of the sample reported common mental disorders, more prevalent in the LEG (p=0.008).

Conclusions:

• Trance mediumship practice in Brazil is associated with overall cognitive health.
• Less experienced mediums (LEG) may exhibit tendencies toward executive dysfunction and a higher incidence of common mental disorders.
• Early recognition of trance phenomena is linked to superior executive processing abilities.