ConsciousnessConsciousness

Mrs. MosesMrs. Moses

Jan. 2010Jan. 2010

ConsciousnessConsciousness• Should be studies because it can be

linked with measurable behaviors.

ConsciousnessConsciousness• Meaning

– Sensory awareness• Focusing on a particular stimulus-selective

attention

– Direct Inner Awareness– Sense of Self

Levels of ConsciousnessLevels of Consciousness• Preconscious Level• Unconscious Level• Nonconscious Level

Preconscious LevelPreconscious Level• Preconscious ideas are not in your

awareness right now, but you could recall if you had to.

Unconscious (Subconscious) Unconscious (Subconscious) LevelLevel

• Information is hidden• Unavailable to awareness under most

circumstances.

Nonconscious LevelNonconscious Level• Many of our biological functions

Freud’s level of Freud’s level of ConsciousnessConsciousness

• See Page 106

Altered States of Altered States of ConsciousnessConsciousness

• A person’s sense of self or sense of the world changes.

• Sleep is one altered state of consciousness.

Sleep and DreamsSleep and Dreams• Circadian rhythms- biological clocks

Stages of SleepStages of Sleep• Defined by brain-wave patterns.• Stage I- lightest sleep-brain-waves

slow down from alpha rhythm to the slower pattern of theta rhythm. Transition may be accompanied by brief dreamlike images.

Stages of SleepStages of Sleep• Stage 1-30-40 minutes• Move on to stages 2,3,4• Stages 3 & 4 –sleep is deep-brain

produces delta waves- the slowest of the four patterns

• Stage 4 – Deeper sleep- greatest difficulty waking up.

Stages of SleepStages of Sleep• After approx. ½ hr of stage 4 sleep,

we begin a quick journey back to stage 3,2,1.

• After 90 minutes suddenly we breathe more irregularly, blood pressure rises, and the heart rate increases, brain waves become similare to stage 1.

Stages of SleepStages of Sleep• This is another stage of sleep – REM

sleep – rapid eye movement, because our eyes are moving rapidly.

• Preceding stage NREM sleep. • During an 8 hr night of sleep most

people go through these stages about five times.

DreamsDreams• May be in color or black and white

Dreams- FreudDreams- Freud• Dreams reveal what you really want• People dream in symbols

Dreams- Biophysiological Dreams- Biophysiological ApproachApproach

• Dreams begin with biological not psychological activity.

Sleep ProblemsSleep Problems• Insomnia• Nightmares and Night Terrors• Sleepwalking• Sleep apnea• Nacrolepsy

Sleep ProblemsSleep Problems• Insomnia: the inability to sleep• Trying to go to sleep can backfire

because of increased tension.• Some people use sleeping pills to

cope with insomnia.

InsomniaInsomnia• Psychologists recommend the

following techniques:– Tense the muscles, one at a time, then

let the tension go. – Avoid worrying in bed.– Establish a regular routine, particularly

for getting up and going to sleep– Use pleasant images or daydreams to

relax.

Nightmares and Night Nightmares and Night TerrorsTerrors

• Night terrors more severe than nightmares.

• Night terrors tend to occur during deep sleep (stages 3 and 4)

• Night mares occur during REM sleep.

SleepwalkingSleepwalking• Sleepwalkers are not fully conscious

and thus may be prone to accidentally hurting themselves.

• May represent an immaturity of the nervous system.

Sleep ApneaSleep Apnea• Is breathing interruptions that occurs

during sleep. • Occurs when a person’s air passages

are blocked.

NarcolepsyNarcolepsy• People fall asleep no matter what

time it is or where they are.• Treated with drug therapy and

frequent naps.

MeditationMeditation• Is a method some people use to try

to narrow their consciousness so that stresses of the outside world fade away.

• Focus on peaceful, repetitive stimulus.

• This focus helps people narrow their consciousness.

BiofeedbackBiofeedback• Feeding back information• Can learn to control certain body

functions.

HypnosisHypnosis• Is an altered state of consciousness

in which people respond to suggestions and behave as though they were in a trance.

• Began with Franz Mesmer- mesmerized.

HypnosisHypnosis• Use as an anesthetic in certain types

of surgeries.• Help clients overcome fears, reduce

anxiety, manage pain.

Hypnosis- How it is achievedHypnosis- How it is achieved• Client asked to focus on an object• Become relaxed.• Hypnotic suggestibility

Hypnosis- Effective?Hypnosis- Effective?• Police have used to jog memory• Can help people with the feeling of

pain• Quitting bad habits can be helped by

post hypnotic suggestion

Drugs and ConsciousnessDrugs and Consciousness• Depressants• Stimulants• Hallucinogens

Drugs and ConsciousnessDrugs and Consciousness• Depressants: slow the activity of the

nervous system– Alcohol– Narcotics – addictive depressants used

to relieve pain and sleep.

Drugs and ConsciousnessDrugs and Consciousness• Stimulants: increase the activity of

the nervous system– Nicotine: spurs the release of adrenaline

• Reduces appetite• Associated with serious health risks• Gateway drug

Drugs and ConsciousnessDrugs and ConsciousnessStimulants

Amphetamines: help people stay awake, reduce appetite.

Methadrine- strongest formof the drug.

High doses can cause user to have delusions.

Drugs and ConsciousnessDrugs and Consciousness– Cocaine- derived from leaves of the coca

plant. – Used as a pain killer– Overdoses can cause symptoms

including restlessness, insomnia, trembling, headaches, nausea, convulsions, hallucinations and delusions.

– Known as crack

Drugs and ConsciousnessDrugs and Consciousness• Hallucinogens- produce

hallucinations.– Marijuana- from cannabis sativa

• Impairs perception and coordinations• Gateway drug

Drugs and ConsciousnessDrugs and Consciousness• LSD-Lysergic acid diethylamide

– Effects not predictable.– Long term effect- flashbacks

Treatments for Drug AbuseTreatments for Drug Abuse• Detoxification• Maintenance Programs• Counseling• Support Groups