Modern and traditional trance language: a comparison.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Anthropology

Background:

• Trance experiences are influenced by language patterns.
• Modern trance language (MTL) uses indirect suggestions and narrative styles.
• Traditional trance language (TTL) employs repetition and narrative sequences, common in indigenous cultures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of MTL and TTL on cognitive, emotional, and physical experiences during trance.
• To evaluate the potential of TTL in facilitating deeper trance states.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled online study with 178 participants.
• Participants were assigned to either MTL or TTL groups.
• The Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) assessed experiences before and after listening to trance texts.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in trance depth, emotional, or physical experiences between groups.
• The TTL group reported significantly more visual imagery (p = .009) compared to the MTL group.
• The TTL group exhibited significantly less inner dialogue (p = .002) than the MTL group.

Conclusions:

• TTL appears more effective than MTL in enhancing visual imagery during trance.
• TTL may reduce cognitive activity, potentially leading to more immersive trance experiences.
• Traditional trance language holds potential for facilitating vivid and intensive hypnotic states.