Predictors of altered states of consciousness triggered by sexual activity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Altered states of consciousness (ASCs) refer to marked changes in usual waking consciousness. Sexual arousal, orgasm, and resolution, are modulated by neural pathways that are also activated by psychoactive substances that trigger ASCs. Relatedly, self-report studies show that sexual activity may trigger ASCs. However, investigation about sex-related ASCs is scarce. More knowledge in this regard is important, as these states can be pleasant and enriching. Objectives To explore correlates and predictors of ASCs elicited by sexual activity. Method The international sample consisted of 291 participants who responded to an online survey (196 women, 95 men). Sexual functioning was measured with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15). The Modified Tellegen Absorption Scale was used to measure the general propensity to experience ASCs by various triggers (absorption). Alterations of consciousness beginning during or shortly after the last sexual encounter were assessed by four subscales of the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (OAV): 1) Experience of Unity (sense of merging between self and surroundings), 2) Spiritual Experience (sense of connection with a reality outside space and time as ordinarily experienced), 3) Insightfulness (emergence of original thoughts), 4) Blissful State (unusual sense of pleasure, peace, and love). Results Better female sexual function (FSFI total score) correlated significantly with Experience of Unity (r = .24), Blissful State (r = .37), Spiritual Experience (r = .25), and marginally with Insightfulness (r = .15, p = .069). Arousal was the dimension of female sexual function more robustly correlated with ASCs; female arousal correlated with Experience of Unity (r = .27), Blissful State (r = .40), Spiritual Experience (r = .24), and Insightfulness (r = .20). Women's absorption was significantly related to higher desire (r = .15), but not to other dimensions of sexual functioning. In women, sexual arousal and absorption independently predicted Experience of Unity (βSA = .26, βAB = .45), Spiritual Experience (βSA = .23, βAB = .50), Blissful State (βSA = .40, βAB = .29), and Insightfulness (βSA = .19, βAB = .47). All other dimensions of female sexual functioning did not significantly explain additional variance. Men's associations between sexual functioning and ASCs were less consistent: male sexual satisfaction was significantly associated with Experience of Unity (r = .25), Blissful State (r = .34), and Insightfulness (r = .28); male orgasmic function was associated with Blissful State (r =.35). Other IIEF-15 dimensions were unrelated to ASCs. In men, sexual satisfaction and absorption independently predicted Experience of Unity (βSS = .29, βAB = .48), Spiritual Experience (βss = .20, βAB = .52), Blissful State (βSS = .37, βAB = .33), and Insightfulness (βSS = .33, βAB = .51). Conclusions The occurrence of sex-related ASCs appears to be independently related to sexual responsiveness and general propensity to experience ASCs by a variety of triggers, sexual and nonsexual. As noted in previous studies, ASCs and sexual functioning were more strongly related in women than in men. Studies on the importance of ASCs for sexual well-being are warranted. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.