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DocumentFinal report - The pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces2010

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2006
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pastas 1 a 22 /2006
Title:
2006 Grants
Start date: 2007-01 - 2013-11
Dimension/support:
22 caixas de arquivo

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2006-062
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 18/2006
Title:
062 - The pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces
Duration: 2007-03 - 2010-02
Researcher(s):
Miguel Farias, Alana Harris, Christina Aus der Au, Katja Wiech, Pedro Soares, Wiebke Friese
Institution(s): Ian Ramsey Centre, University of Oxford (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Bursary agreement
Application form
Correspondence
Financial report and expenditure documents
Progress report
Final report
Language: eng / por
Author:
Farias, M.
Secondary author(s):
Harris, A., Aus der Au, C., Wiech, K., Soares, P., Friese, W.
Number of reproductions:
2
Keywords:
Parapsychology / Spiritualism / Religious beliefs/experiences / Spiritual traditions/experiences / Paranormal belief / Personality factors / Emotion / Motivation

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2006-062.01
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 18/2006
Title:
Final report - The pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces
Publication year: 2010
URL:
http://www.bial.com/imagem/62-06-20131212.pdf
Abstract/Results: RESULTS:
The aim of this project was to understand the interaction between motivations to go on pilgrimage, spiritual behaviours and experiences, and psychological outcomes. Four hundred and fifty pilgrims to the Roman Catholic sites of Fátima, Lourdes, the Pagan site of Stonehenge, and the New Age town of Glastonbury were asked to fill in a questionnaire. This included standardized measures of positive and negative affect (PANAS), personality (EPQ), magical/paranormal ideation, religious belief/experience, and motivations to go on pilgrimage.
Spiritual Growth and Community/Care were the major motivational dimensions for pilgrims at both Christian sites, while Pagan pilgrims scored highest on Cosmic/Nature Closeness and Sensation Seeking motivations. Results for Positive and Negative Affect showed that Christian pilgrims were significantly higher on positive affect than Pagan pilgrims, while Pagan pilgrims scored significantly higher on negative affect. Pagan pilgrims also had significantly higher scores on magical/paranormal ideation and spiritual experiences. We suggest that Pagan rituals elicit higher arousal than Christian ones, and are less supported by a social and belief structure. This makes Pagan pilgrims more likely to experience negative affect (e.g. fear) and a higher frequency of unusual experiences. The higher frequency on unusual experiences is also partially explained by a schizotypal personality disposition and a tendency to process information in an intuitive way.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Farias, M.
Secondary author(s):
Harris, A., Soares, P., Friese, W., Bilderbeck, A.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
2
Indexed document:
No
Keywords: Pilgrimage / Motivation / Spiritual experience / Affect / Personality

Final report - The pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces

Final report - The pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces
DocumentThe Pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces2010

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2006
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pastas 1 a 22 /2006
Title:
2006 Grants
Start date: 2007-01 - 2013-11
Dimension/support:
22 caixas de arquivo

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2006-062
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 18/2006
Title:
062 - The pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces
Duration: 2007-03 - 2010-02
Researcher(s):
Miguel Farias, Alana Harris, Christina Aus der Au, Katja Wiech, Pedro Soares, Wiebke Friese
Institution(s): Ian Ramsey Centre, University of Oxford (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Bursary agreement
Application form
Correspondence
Financial report and expenditure documents
Progress report
Final report
Language: eng / por
Author:
Farias, M.
Secondary author(s):
Harris, A., Aus der Au, C., Wiech, K., Soares, P., Friese, W.
Number of reproductions:
2
Keywords:
Parapsychology / Spiritualism / Religious beliefs/experiences / Spiritual traditions/experiences / Paranormal belief / Personality factors / Emotion / Motivation

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2006-062.02
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 18/2006
Title:
The Pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces
Publication year: 2010
URL:
http://www.bial.com/simposio/Livro_de_Actas_8_Simposio.pdf
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The aim of this project was to understand the interaction between motivations to go on pilgrimage, religious behaviours and experiences, and psychological outcomes. We were also interested in looking at sacred spaces and individuals affiliated with contrasting types of religiosity.
Various European sites were selected according to their representativeness of traditional Christianity and Paganism. Four hundred and fifty pilgrims to the Roman Catholic sites of Fátima, Lourdes, the Pagan site of Stonehenge, and the New Age town of Glastonbury were asked to fill in a questionnaire. This included standardized measures of positive and negative affect (PANAS), personality (EPQ), magical/paranormal ideation, as well as measures of religious belief/experience and activities, a newly developed scale on motivations to pilgrimage, and a qualitative section. Longitudinal data was collected using a reduced version of the questionnaire 8 to 12 weeks after the respective pilgrimage.
Spiritual Growth and Community/Care were the major motivational dimensions for pilgrims at both Christian sites, while Pagan pilgrims scored highest on Cosmic/Nature Closeness and Sensation Seeking motivations. Results for Positive and Negative Affect showed that Christian pilgrims were significantly higher on positive affect than Pagan pilgrims, while Pagan pilgrims scored significantly higher on negative affect. Items asking
about physical illness and mental health problems presented no significant differences between groups, so these differences in affect may be attributed to the characteristics of the pilgrimage (e.g. the ritual activities) and the motivations to be a pilgrim, instead of base individual differences. Pagan pilgrims also had significantly higher scores on magical/paranormal ideation and spiritual experiences.
These results are approached within a broad framework highlighting the behavioural and social-cognitive differences between Pagan and Christian belief systems. Specifically, we suggest that Pagan rituals elicit higher arousal than Christian ones, and are less supported by a social and belief structure. This makes Pagan pilgrims more likely to experience negative affect (e.g. fear) and a higher frequency of unusual experiences. Historical evidence from Classical Paganism is drawn upon to support these conclusions. Some of these results have been presented at two international conferences. Four papers are about to be submitted to various journals and a monograph proposal is under preparation.
Accessibility: Document does not exist in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Farias, M.
Secondary author(s):
Harris, A., Aus der Au, C., Wiech, K., Soares, P., Friese, W.
Document type:
Conference abstract
Number of reproductions:
2
Reference:
Farias, M., Harris, A., Aus der Au, C., Wiech, K., Soares, P., & Friese, W. (2010). The Pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces. In Aquém e além do cérebro. Behind and beyond the brain. Proceedings of the 8th Symposium of Fundação Bial (p. 214). Porto: Fundação Bial.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Pilgrimage / Motivation / Spiritual experience / Affect / Personality

The Pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces

The Pilgrimage project: A study of motivations and experiences in sacred spaces
DocumentFinal report - Trance: Cortical representations2013

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2010
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pastas 1 a 23
Title:
2010 Grants
Start date: 2011-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2010-050
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 2/2010
Title:
050 - Trance: Cortical representations
Duration: 2011-03 - 2013-05
Researcher(s):
Alessandra Ghinato Mainieri, Julio Fernando Prieto Peres, Alexander Moreira de Almeida, Ute Habel, Nils Kohn
Institution(s): Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen (Germany)
Contents: Contents:
Bursary agreement
Application form
Correspondence
Financial report and expenditure documents
Progress report
Final report
1 Article (in preparation)
Language: eng
Author:
Mainieri, A.
Secondary author(s):
Peres, J. F., Moreira-Almeida, A., Habel, U., Kohn, N.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Altered states of consciousness / Trance / Brain structure and function

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2010-050.01
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 2/2010
Title:
Final report - Trance: Cortical representations
Publication year: 2013
URL:
http://www.bial.com/imagem/Bolsa50-10_03012014.pdf
Abstract/Results: RESULTS:
Evidence has shown that there are high levels of psychotic experiences in the general population, often not related to mental disorders. We investigated the neural correlates of psychotic experiences in healthy spiritual mediums. An fMRI study was developed with 8 healthy mediums and 6 controls. The mediums entered in mediumistic trance state using a standardized manner; in a control condition they were instructed to re-enact the same mediumistic experience that they had during trance condition but in a non-trance state. Both groups took part in a resting state session. The data was analysed using model-based (GLM) and model-free analysis (ICA). Vivid mediumistic state and deep level of spiritual connection reported by the mediums during trance were associated with stronger activation areas related to sensory and attentional networks compared to re-enaction and rest: lateral occipital cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, temporal pole, middle temporal gyrus and orbitofrontal cortex. We also observed increased functional connectivity within the regions of sensory and auditory resting state networks for mediumistic state compared to control condition. The default mode network (DMN) was identified in all conditions. However, we did not find any change in connectivity within the regions of DMN. Increased activation in cortical sensory and attentional areas during mediumistic state and preserved functional connectivity within the DMN regions might reflect an expression of the non-pathological nature of psychotic experiences in mediums. Possible neural correlates for the generation of sensory experience in the absence of external stimulation are discussed in the context of pathological and non-pathological psychotic experiences.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Author:
Mainieri, A.
Secondary author(s):
Peres, J. F., Moreira-Almeida, A., Habel, U., Kohn, N.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
3
Indexed document:
No
Keywords: Parapsychology / Psychophysiology / Trance / Meditation / Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) / Altered states of consciousness / Psychotic experiences / Spiritual experience / Anomalous experiences

Final report - Trance: Cortical representations

Final report - Trance: Cortical representations
DocumentThe 28th Symposium on Life Information Science, August 27-20th 2009, Hakone Yumoto Hotel, Kanagawa, Japan

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/E
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: Documentation and Information Center
History: Books that are part of the documentation center

Reference code: PT/FB/E/061
Title: The 28th Symposium on Life Information Science, August 27-20th 2009, Hakone Yumoto Hotel, Kanagawa, Japan
Número de inventário: M-0063
Local: Tokyo
Publisher: ISLIS
Date: 2009
Pag., vols.: 122 p.
Illustration: il., graphs
Dimension/support: 28 cm
Accessibility: Document exists in archive
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng / jap
ISSN:
1341-9226
Collection: (Journal of International Society of Life Information Science (ISLIS) ; Vol. 27(2), September 2009)
Document type: Journal
Keywords:
Parapsychology / Out-of-body experience (OBE) / Reincarnation / Gas measurement method / Spiritual experience / Cucumber / Taichi-quan
File252 - Spiritual states induced by ayahuasca, and the involvement of the reward system2019-102022-09

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2018 Grants
Start date: 2019-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2018-252
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
252 - Spiritual states induced by ayahuasca, and the involvement of the reward system
Duration: 2019-10 - 2022-09
Researcher(s):
Miguel Castelo-Branco, Gisela Lima, Miguel Raimundo, Pedro Fonseca, Carla Cavaleiro, Lorena Petrella, Célia Cabral, Antero Abrunhosa
Institution(s): Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health - ICNAS, University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Language: eng
Author:
Castelo-Branco, M.
Secondary author(s):
Lima, G., Raimundo, M., Fonseca, P., Cavaleiro, C., Petrella, L., Cabral, C., Abrunhosa, A.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Ayahuasca / Dopamine and reward / Spiritual experience / Hallucinations / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology
DocumentImmersion, absorption, and spiritual experience: Some preliminary findings2020

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2014 Grants
Start date: 2015-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-228
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
228 - Pushing consciousness and selfhood towards their boundaries - An EEG neurophenomenological study
Duration: 2015-02 - 2019-03
Researcher(s):
Joseph Glicksohn, Aviva Berkovich-Ohana, Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan
Institution(s): Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan (Israel); Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti, Assisi (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Bursary agreement
Application form
Correspondence
Progress reports
Final report
4 papers
Language: eng
Author:
Glicksohn, J.
Secondary author(s):
Berkovich-Ohana, A., Ben-Soussan, T.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Consciousness / Self / Perceptual Deprivation / EEG / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2014-228.08
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Immersion, absorption, and spiritual experience: Some preliminary findings
Publication year: 2020
URL:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02118/full
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
Many traditions have utilized silent environments to induce altered states of consciousness and spiritual experiences. Neurocognitive explorations of spiritual experience can aid in understanding the underlying mechanism, but these are surprisingly rare. We present the verbal report and the electroencephalographic (EEG) alpha profile of a female participant scoring a maximal 34 on the Absorption Scale, recorded before and while she was immersed in a whole-body perceptual deprivation (WBPD) tank. We analyze her trancelike experience in terms of the imagery reported: a spaceship, corridors, doors, a man dressed in white, speaking to God, the sun, supernova, concentric images, and an out-of-body experience. Her report is indicative of a spiritual experience, given that she felt that she was “meeting God” in the laboratory. She exhibited both frontal and parietal left > right alpha power asymmetry at baseline, whereas in the WBPD condition, there was a global increase in alpha power and especially a sharp increase in right-frontal alpha power. Her verbal report and EEG alpha profile were compared to those of another female participant, also scoring high on absorption, whose verbal report was also indicative of a trancelike experience. For further comparison, we present the data for two participants scoring low on absorption. Spiritual experience that can be verbalized might be associated with a marked increase in right-frontal alpha power, as reported here. In contrast, a mystical experience characterized by ineffability would be indicated by a marked increase in left-frontal alpha power.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Glicksohn, J.
Secondary author(s):
Ben-Soussan, T. D.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Reference:
Glicksohn, J., & Ben-Soussan, T. D. (2020). Immersion, absorption, and spiritual experience: Some preliminary findings. Frontiers in Psychology, 11: 2118. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02118
2-year Impact Factor: 2.990|2020
Times cited: 11|2025-02-14
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q2
Keywords: Spiritual experience / Mystical experience / Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Alpha / Absorption

Immersion, absorption, and spiritual experience: Some preliminary findings

Immersion, absorption, and spiritual experience: Some preliminary findings
File313 - Switching on and off the insula by means of non-invasive brain stimulation changes the spiritual self2023-09

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2022 Grants
Start date: 2023-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2022-313
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
313 - Switching on and off the insula by means of non-invasive brain stimulation changes the spiritual self
Duration: 2023-09
Researcher(s):
Francesca Strappini, Giuseppina Porciello, Cristina Ottaviani
Institution(s): Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Language: eng
Author:
Strappini, F.
Secondary author(s):
Porciello, G., Ottaviani, C.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Spiritual experience / Altered level of consciousness / Spirituality / Interoception / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology