Abstract:

This study examined the nature of self-reported peak and other powerful experiences during a 6-day residential, neurotechnology-based training program. ``Neurotechnologies'' are methods and devices which purportedly enhance mental functioning by entraining brain-wave patterns, often producing a psychophysiological state of hemispheric synchronization. A 2-part peak-experience questionnaire was developed. Part 1 collected retrospective self-reports of participants' experiences. Part 2 gathered information on their impact and the processes of integration. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator measured participants' personality characteristics; the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument measured cognitive styles. Out of 160 participants (81 males, 79 females), 121 reported 75 types of peak and other experiences. These were grouped by phenomenological content under 4 categories: ``intensified sensory and perceptual,'' ``cognitive,'' ``psychodynamic,'' and ``transpersonal.'' Types, intensity, and richness of patterns of experience reported, strikingly resemble those reported by psychedelic (LSD) researchers. Short-term aftereffects occurred in 4 areas: ontological, spiritual, psychological, and bioenergetical. Longer-term aftereffects resembled changes associated with the sustained practice of meditation. Most experiences had a moderate to ``life-changing'' impact. Peak-experiences, narrowly defined, had the greatest reported impact, overall. Chi-square analyses yielded non-significant differences between ``peak-experiencers'' $(n=16)$ and ``non-experiencers'' $(n=20)$ on personality type, cognitive style, religious affiliation, educational level, age, and gender. However, differences approached significance on religious orientation $(\chi\sp2=2.043,\ p=.15288)$ and may signal a trend worthy of further investigation. Mental engagement with experiences was important in integrating and being changed by them. This was evidenced by the positive relationship between amount of time spent thinking about one's experiences and their degree of impact $(r\sb{\rm s}=.4849,\ p<.001).$ The most preferred method of integration involved discussing one's experiences, followed by reading about similar experiences, keeping one's experiences to oneself, and writing about one's experiences. Factors hindering the integrative process are discussed. Results contribute to understanding the varieties of exceptional human experience.