Fundamental & Translational
darkness therapy is an exciting new area of research
Current Literature
Historically, people have engaged in cultural traditions of immersing themselves in light restricted environments as an opportunity to explore the edges of consciousness and reveal the natural freedom and creative expression of the mind. Complete immersion in darkness with the intention to be present and open to whatever experience arises is akin to mindfulness meditation. Darkness therapy has been shown to increase mindfulness, and the experience of meaningfulness. In a supportive set and setting, darkness therapy may be on par with the beneficial outcomes of both psychedelic therapy and mindfulness practice.
Individual case studies, thematic analysis, and the promising studies on bipolar, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, mindfulness and meaning in life call for further research on darkness therapy for clinical application. Additionally, darkness therapy research may yield novel discoveries in the fields of consciousness studies and mind-body medicine.
Literature Examples
Darkness therapy includes the use of a variety of assessments to support safe and ethical clinical practice. In darkness therapy research, assessments are used to determine themes and identify applicable areas of interest for new studies.
Themes include
Creativity
Wellbeing
Meaningfulness
Mindfulness
Increased Affect Tolerance
Increased Objective Consciousness
Positive Valence Interoceptive Awareness
Examples of relevant assessment instruments for research include
Mystical Experience (MEQ30 or 4; Pahnke-Richards Mystical Experience Questionnaire)
The Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)
Wellbeing (quality of life); Subjective Wellbeing and Life Satisfaction (SWLS)
Mindfulness (AMPS; Kentucky; Toronto etc)
Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2)
Depression and Anxiety scales
Thematic Analysis
