This study investigates the relationship between interoceptive perception and altered consciousness induced by Floatation-REST and meditation. By measuring physiological and psychometric parameters before and after the intervention, we investigate the role of interoception on consciousness. We include 32 highly experienced meditators with familiarity in minimal phenomenal experience (MPE), each exposed to four conditions: 1) meditation, 2) Floatation-REST, 3) meditation during Floatation-REST, 4) Bed-REST as a control. This design allows a systematic evaluation of the effects of these interventions on interoception and the self-consciousness, with a particular focus on the MPE. Participants will undergo a comprehensive assessment protocol that includes both psychophysiological and psychometric measures to capture the effects of meditation and Floatation-REST.
Mind and Matter
Investigating the Impact of Floatation-REST and Meditation on Interoception and Self-Consciousness: A Study of Physiological and Subjective Changes
Funding period: : 03/2025 – 02/2027
In cooperation with the University Medical Center Freiburg and Linköping University, Sweden, third-party funded project by FUNDAÇÃO Bial, Porto, for Stefan Schmidt, Marc Wittmann, Fynn-Mathis Trautwein, Rebecca Böhme, Cyril Costines.
Tommi Nübling
