A.N. Leontiev's Activity Theory as a Basis for Studying Altered States of Consciousness (Analysing the Dependence of Inspiration Characteristics on Types of Creative Activity)

Choosing A.N. Leontiev's activity theory as a methodological framework for their study enabled the authors to regard some of altered states of consciousness (ASC) as functional organs developing in activity and carrying out certain functions in it. Since different types of activity vary in their tasks, the authors made an assumption that in each type of activity ASC would be specific. In order to prove it they conducted a literary and empirical analysis of creative activity and characteristics of inspiration as an altered state of consciousness emerging in this activity. These characteristics are reflected in particular in subjective phenomena reported by research participants in their self-reports. Using self-report as the main research method the authors tested the hypothesis on the differences between the inspiration phenomena in various forms of creative activity (such as the activity of a modeler-designer and the activity of a pianist). Analysing the results obtained in structured interviews held in a form of a conversation proved the hypothesis and revealed specific features of inspiration in different types of creative activity.