Reports of peak- and other experiences during a neurotechnology-based training program, part 1

This 2-part study examined the nature of self-reported peak- and other powe rful experiences during a 6-day residential, neurotechnology-based training program. There were 160 participants (81 males, 79 females), of whom 121 r eported 75 types of peak- and other experiences. Neurotechnologies are meth ods and devices that purportedly enhance mental functioning by entraining b rain-wave patterns, often producing a psychophysiological state of hemisphe ric synchronization. In the present article, which comprises Part 1, resear ch on peak- and other powelful experiences is reviewed. An overview of neur otechnologies is also given. Part 2, which will follow in the next issue of this Journal, will describe the method used in this study and the results, including short- and long-term aftereffects of the program and the meaning of the experiences for the participants.