Evaluation of psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms of pain perception in trance experts

The term “cognitive trance” has been proposed to define a voluntary, self-induced modified state of consciousness that is abstracted from any ritual or cultural expression. A decrease in the perception of pain and an increase in the feeling of happiness have been reported during trance. The aim of this project is to better understand how an altered state of consciousness can help patients suffering from pain. The aim is to characterise the psychological traits of expert trance practitioners and to assess their perception of pain during trance. To characterise the psychological profile of trance experts, we will conduct a prospective study on 120 participants using online psychological questionnaires. We will evaluate the perception of pain through the use of electrical stimulation in normal consciousness and in trance in 30 experts. We will use machine learning to find the EEG markers that best predict pain perception.

Faculty Supervisor:

Karim Jerbi

Student:

Partner:

Université de Liège

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: