States of Consciousness

1. States of Consciousness

2. Does consciousness exist? If so, how do we study it? • Consciousness looked at as a psychological Construct – a concept used to talk about something we can’t see, touch or measure

3. 2 main meanings • 1) Consciousness as sensory awareness. • Awareness of your environment • 2) Consciousness as direct inner awareness • Imagination • Awareness of feelings, memories

4. Levels of Consciousness • 1) Consciousness – regular awareness • 2) Preconscious – not in your awareness currently, but can recall answers if you need to by diverting inner awareness or attention • 3) Unconscious – also known as subconscious • Freud suggested that the subconscious is unavailable to awareness most of the time • Defense Mechanisms • 4) Non-conscious – basic biological functions

5. Defense Mechanisms • Painful, problematic memories are hidden in subconscious • Some impulses are considered unacceptable • We bury these problems so that we are unaware of them at a conscious level

6. Repression – takes anxiety causing ideas and pushes them into the subconscious, occasionally they burst out in a different form.

7. Rationalization – uses self-deception to justify unacceptable behavior or ideas • Sour grapes is a type of rationalization

8. Displacement – transfer of idea or impulse from threatening or unsuitable object to less threatening object • Boss yells at you – you yell at spouse – spouse kicks dog

9. Regression – return to behavior characteristic of an earlier stage of development

10. Projection – project impulses or anxieties outward unto others. People see their faults in others.

11. Reaction formation acting contrary to genuine feelings to keep feelings hidden.

12. Denial – refuse to accept reality

13. Sublimation – Channeling aggressive or unacceptable ideas or traits into acceptable behavior

14. Compensation – a person makes up for felt defect (real or imagined) by striving extra hard in another area

15. Conversion – expresses emotional conflicts through physical symptoms

16. Fantasy – daydreaming, flight of fancy

17. Defense mechanisms are common – abnormal only when it is excessive • Are they helpful or harmful?