Subjective Time and Body-Self During Altered States of Consciousness: New Evidence

Item: Subjective Time and Body-Self During Altered States of Consciousness: New Evidence
Rating: 4
Author: PostSingularity Institute

by Dr. Marc Wittmann

Life & Natural Systems Psychology JMPsychology JMTPsychology: states of consciousness

🎙 Dr. Marc Wittmann 👥 7K 📅 October 13, 2025 ⏱ 29 min 👁 187 📄 literature review 🧭 2026-08-16

Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

time perceptionbody boundariesaltered states of consciousnessflowfloatation-REST

Summary

Dr. Marc Wittmann presents a series of studies investigating how altered states of consciousness (ASC) induced by VR gaming, Ganzfeld stimulation, meditation, and floatation-REST affect the perception of time and body-self. He begins by linking the sense of time to interoceptive bodily signals, highlighting the insula cortex as a key region. He then shows that ASC are characterized by a reduction in self-awareness and time perception, which may have therapeutic potential for psychiatric conditions. The studies presented include: VR flow states leading to time distortion and positive emotions; Ganzfeld with green visual fields producing shorter time perception and more positive affect than red; experienced meditators showing reduced body boundary awareness and faster time passage; and floatation-REST inducing stronger ASC markers, reduced body boundaries, and decreased anxiety. Wittmann argues that these findings support the idea that modulating self and time perception could be a mechanism of healing in ASC, including psychedelic therapy. He also discusses the relationship between time perception and interoception, and the potential clinical implications for conditions like depression and anxiety.

172 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk provides valuable insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying altered states of consciousness, specifically focusing on the modulation of time and body-self perception. The argumentation is well-structured, moving from basic neuroscience to applied studies. The speaker presents a coherent theoretical framework linking interoception, time perception, and self-awareness, supported by empirical evidence from multiple studies. The use of meta-analyses and published research strengthens the credibility. However, some claims, such as the therapeutic potential of ASC, are presented as promising but not definitively proven, and the speaker acknowledges the need for further research.

101 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on how altered states of consciousness affect subjective time and body-self perception.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The talk is based on peer-reviewed studies, including meta-analyses and the speaker's own published research. The speaker is an established researcher in the field. However, the presentation format (conference talk) limits the depth of methodological detail, and some claims rely on anecdotal evidence.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

INSIGHT 2023 Replays — Promotional link for the conference replays, mentioned at the end of the talk.

Concurring Sources

Meta-analysis of fMRI studies on time perception — Referenced in the talk as evidence for the insula and SMA as key regions for time perception.

Contribution & Novelties

The talk synthesizes recent research on how various non-pharmacological methods (VR, Ganzfeld, meditation, floatation-REST) alter time and body-self perception, providing a mechanistic perspective. It highlights the potential therapeutic implications for psychiatric disorders characterized by heightened self and time awareness. The speaker also presents new data from a floatation-REST study showing anxiety reduction via reduced body boundaries.

Pour aller plus loin :

Interoception — Central to the talk’s framework linking body signals to time perception.
Altered state of consciousness — Provides background on the concept and induction methods.
Flow (psychology) — Relevant to the VR gaming study and the concept of flow states.
Insular cortex — Key brain region discussed in relation to time perception and interoception.
Floatation tank — Background on the floatation-REST method used in the study.

128 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity, quality, and reliability, with a slightly lower technical level, indicating a well-balanced presentation accessible to a broad scientific audience.

Reliability 8/10