Citation

Suedfeld P, Daniel Steel G, Wallbaum ABC, Bluck S, Livesey N, Capozzi L. J. Environ. Psychol. 1994; 14(2): 87-100.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Academic Press)

DOI

10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80163-X

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (REST) has been used in hundreds of studies investigating the effects of drastically reducing the accustomed flow of ambient information and stimulation. Some of this research has explored changes in basic psychological and psychophysiological processes; other portions have been directed toward the application of REST, especially in clinical and health psychology. Although a substantial data base now exists, no adequate theoretical explanation has been offered for the wide range of consistent and striking effects of REST on human beings. This paper describes several original experiments, and reviews the literature, assessing the evidence relevant to one promising explanation: the Dynamic Hemispheric Asymmetry (DHA) model, which proposes that in REST the normally non-dominant cortical hemisphere becomes more active and exerts greater influence over cognitive and affective processes. Research bearing upon the hypothesis includes work on memory, learning, imagery, divergent thinking, creativity, perception, habit modification, attitude change, hand dominance, and brain activity. The results offer only mixed support for the DHA model, but indicate areas for theoretical extensions and further research.