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ALTERED STATE S
OF
CONSCIOUSNESS
AND
MYSTICAL
EXPERIENCES
DURING SENSORY ISOLATION IN .
FLOTATION
TANK: IS THE IDGHLY SENSITIVE
PERSONALITY
VARIABLE OF IMPORTANCE?*
ANETTE KJELLGREN
ANDREAS LINDAHL,
M.se.
TORSTEN NORLANDER
Karlstad
University,
Sweden
ABSTRACT
The aim
of
this study was to investigate
if
the highly sensitive personality
variable affects the occurrence
of
mystical experiences and degree
of
altered
states
of
consciousness during sensory isolation in flotation-tank. Forty-eight
persons
(20 males, 28 females ) were included. Background variables and
the Highly Sensitive Personality Scale
(HSP) were assessed. The independent
variable was derived from this scale, where two groups were forrned: low
sensitivity and high sensitivity. The treatment lasted
45
minutes in the
flotation tank. Dependent variables were assessed through scales measuring
experiences and degree
of
altered states
of
consciousness. The
group with highly sensitive persons experienced significantly more mystical
experiences and higher degree
of
altered states
of
consciousness during the
treatment compared to the other group. Also, the highly sensitive persons
exhibited more stress and anxiety at arrival, but no differences in depression
and optimism were found between the groups.
*This study
was
supported
by
grants from the county council
of
Värmland (Landstinget i Värmland),
Sweden.
The
research has followed the ethical standards
of
the World Medical Association declaration
ofHelsinki
conceming Ethical Principles
of
Medical Research Involving Human Subjects.
© 2009, Baywood Publishing Co., Ine.
doi:·10.2190/IC.29.2.d
http://baywood.eom
135
IMAGINATlON
COGNITION
AND PERSONALITY
Conseiousness in
Theory • Research • Clinical Practice
Editors: Robert G Kunzendoif, Ph.D.
James M. Honeyeutt, Ph.D.
Volume 29, Number 2 - 2009-2010
Altered States of Consciousness
and
Mystical
Experiences
during
Sensory
Isolation
in
Flotation
Tank: Is
the
Highly Sensitive
Personality Variable
of
Importance?
\
Anette
Kjellgren, Andreas Lindahl, and Torsten Norlander
(
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136 / KJELLGREN, LINDAHL AND NORLANDER
INTRODUCTION
Treatment in a flotation tank is a method where deep relaxation and stress
reduction are achieved. This treatment, often called flotation-REST (Restricted
Environmental Stimulation Technique),
is
a mild form
of
sensory isolation where
a person is irnmersed in a tank with salt water (magnesium sulphate) heated
to
skin
temperature (35.5-36°C). Due to the high buoyancy
of
the saltwater, it
is
possible
to float on the back in a relaxed comfortable position. There
is
complete darkness
and silence (ear-plugs are used) in the tank and this creates rest from normal
sensory stimulation. A common treatment session usually lasts for
45
minutes.
Several studies, both earlier and more recent, have demonstrated excellent
treatment effects for symptoms where deep relaxation and stress reduction are
of
importance, like stress related pain, high stress load and "bum-out-depression."
The treatment effects in general are reduced muscle pains, reduced depression and
anxiety, as well as increased
and sleep quality [1-3].
Beside the deep relaxation, a
rtlild altered state
of
consciousness (ASC)
is
often achieved during the tank treatments. Some
of
the general characteristics
of
an
Ase
are changes
of
perception and body image, disturbed time sense,
alterations in cognitive functions, but also experiences that are best described
as
mystical and ineffable (e.g., [3]). Several kinds
of
ASe
have been described
during daydreaming, meditation, sensory deprivation, sensory overload, drug-
induced states, etc. There are obvious differences in the degree and intensity
of
the
experiences, depending on the condition that is being studied. A mild relaxation-
state naturally implies a different experience than a more dramatic
ASe
during a
drug-induced state for example, but there also exist some common characteristics.
Some
of
the most common experiences during a flotation-induced
Ase
are
inner mental imagery, sense
of
weightlessness, alterations
of
time perception,
body image changes, as well as alterations ofthoughts and emotional expressions
in which deep personal insights might be achieved [3-5]. These states are usually
appreciated
by
participants in studies
of
flotation-REST. Also, sometimes more
unusual mystical experiences occur, like out-of-body experiences, experienced
feelings
of
telepathy, hearing inner voices or music, perinatal experiences,
encounters with other beings, or transformations into animals
[S].
These more
unusual experiences
of
transcendence or transpersonal states imply access to
thoughts and experiences transcending the individual's biographic experiences
and thought-forms (thus the expression
"transpersonal").
We have performed research on clinical effects
of
flotation tank treatment at
the Human Performance Laboratory, Karlstad University in Sweden for several
years. Patients suffering from a wide array
of
symptoms like chronic muscle
tension pain, depression, and
"bum-out-syndrome" have been included in
different studies. The relaxation treatments in the flotation tank have been
of
great value for them, resulting in significant improvements and thorough psycho-
logical development and transformations [4, 6]. We have gotten the impression
ALTERED STATES
OF
CONSCIOUSNESS / 137
that the induction
of
the
ASe
might be a contributing factor to the healing
and transformation that often occur during flotation; persons obtaining deeper or
more mystical states
of
Ase
often seem to have extra benefit from the treatment,
but this has never been documented. Despite extensive search, we have not
been able
to
find any specific personality variable that predicts such experiences
during the flotation tank treatment. Nor have we been able to find discussions in
the literature when it comes to mystical experiences during flotation-REST at all.
It
might be that this phenomenon
is
considered
as
less important and therefore
is
not reported, or it might be that such experiences
do
not emerge at all or fail
to
attract any special attention.
Occasionally, participants in studies
of
the flotation tank express a desire
to
experience something beyond the normal state. However, a majority
of
the par-
ticipants in flotation tank treatment programs emphasize that they primarily
look forward to the peaceful relaxation without any disturbances. A general desire
to
avoid overstimulation
as
a tool
of
stress reduction is likely to be a common
incentive among highly sensitive persons. The Highly Sensitive
Person Scale
(HSP), constructed by Aron and Aron [7], is a scale which includes a broad
range
of
items related to sensitivity. Highly sensitive persons are described
as
prone, from birth, to be easily overwhelmed
by
sensory stimulation, deeply
reflective, and unusually empathetic [8]. Earlier research/studies with the
HSP-
scale propose that persons with highly sensitive personality traits exhibit greater
susceptibility toward allergies, migraine headaches, chronic pain, and chronic
fatigue [9],
as
well as higher levels
of
anxiety [10], shyness [11, 12], and general
ill-health [13]. We were interested in investigating
if
persons with a highly
sensitive personality (according to the scale) were more prone
to
experience
ASe
or mystical experiences during
flo1:;ltion
tank treatment.
The aim
of
the present study was to investigate
if
the highly sensitive per-
sonality variable affects the occurrence
of
altered states
of
consciousness and
ofmystical experiences during flotation-REST.
METHOD
Participants
A sample
of
48
persons,
20
males and
28
females, were recruited among
students at Karlstad University, Sweden. Their mean age was
27.40 years
(SD= 7.63, range=
19
to
SO
years). The participants were divided into two groups
based on low or high sensitivity (see Design section); statistical analysis with an
Independent samp1es t-test (S% level) did not showany differences in age between
the two groups. No differences in degree
of
sensitivity were found between
males and females in either the low or high sensitivity group
(p
>
O.OS).
A
ehi-Square test (Goodness-of-fit,
S%
level) did not
showany
gender differences
in the low sensitivity group
(p
= 0.061), but there was such a difference in the
high sensitivity group
(p
= 0.001) showing more females than men in this group.
138 KJELLGREN, LINDAHL AND NORLANDER
Instruments
Flotation Tank
A flotation tank measuring 270 cm x 150 cm x
130
cm was used. The depth
of
fluid (salt water) varied from 200-to-300 mm. The flotation tank was insu-
1ated
to maintain a constant air and water temperature and to reduce incoming
light (complete darkness) and noise (ear-p1ugs for comp1ete silence). The water
temperature was maintained at 35.5-36°C and was saturated with magnesium
sulphate (density:
1.3
g/cm
3
).
The treatment session lasted for
45
minutes.
HAD - Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale
The RAD instrument measures the individual's degree
of
anxiety and depres-
sion. This instrument consists
ofseven
statements regarding depression and
seven items regarding anxiety, with four response alternatives.
Va1ues
below
6 are considered normal, those between 6 and
10
are considered borderline,
and
aU
values over
10
points indicate a probable depression-anxiety diagnosis.
The validity and re1iability
of
RAD has been examined [14].
LOT
- Life Orientation Test
This
sca1e
is a se1f-estimation instrument that assesses an individual's degree
of
dispositional optimism [15]. The instrument consists
of
12
statements from
which each participant is instructed to the extent
to
which each
of
these
statements fits in with himlher
as
an individual. The response alternatives are
presented on a 5-graded scale extending from O = "strongly disagree" to 4 =
"strongly agree." The test requires
ab
out 5 minutes for completion. LOT is a
suitable scientific instrument with
ru:i
estimated internal consistency
of
0.76
(Cronbach's alpha) and a Test-Retest reliability
of
0.79 (pearson's r), indi-
cating that the test result is stable over time. LOT
is
also regarded
as
having
an adequate level
of
convergent and discriminant validity [15],
as
demonstrated
by correlation statistics and by using LISREL VI
(r
= 0.64).
EDN - Experienced Deviation from Normal State
Utilizing the
intemationa11y
applied psychometric instruments APZ-questionnaire
and OA VA V [16] for obtaining judgments regarding altered states
of
con-
sciousness, a shortened but similar instrument was modified for use with flotation
tank therapy [17]. The original tests have been validated in
severa1
studies in
different countries [16]. The shortened version utilized in the present study
consists
of29
questions, each followed
by
a Visual AnalogueScale (0-100 mm).
All points from the 29 items were averaged to form an "index
of
experience"
which reflects the total experience
of
deviation from normal states. The instrument
ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS / 139
acquired judgments regarding altered states (ASC). Cronbach's
alpha was
0.91
when the instrument was apphed m
thIS
study.
MES - Mystical Experience Scale
This
sca1e
was constructed and validated by Hood [18]. The
sc.a1e
has
further validated by Hood et
al.
[19]. The scale consists
of
32 ltems:
are divided into eight categories
of
mysticism: Ego quality (an mto
something greater than the empirical ego); Unifying. quaiity IS
ceived
as
"one"); Inner subjective quality (perception
of
as.
allVe
or conscious); TemporaVspatial quality (time or space perceptIOn
Noetic quality (the experience gives a new understanding); (expen-
ence that cannot be put in words); Positive affect (posltlVe quahty
of
the
experience); and Religious quaiity (feelings or sacredness)
..
All
32
items have response alternatives on a 5-pomt ordmal The total P?mts
on the MES-sca1e range from 32 (least mystical) to
160
pomts (most
Some examples
of
items are: "I have had an which was both
less and spaceless," "I have had an experience I knew to be sacred, "
and
"I
have had an experience in which u1timate reality was revealed to me.
Cronbach's alpha in this study was 0.96.
PSS
- Perceived Stress Scale
This scale
is
used for measuring the perception
of
stress [20]. The
10
questions
measure how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded
fin.d
their lives. There are also general questions about current perceptIOn
of
expe:l-
enced stress during the last month. Response alternatives on a
Likert scale from O (never) to 4 (very ofren). Examples
of
questIOns
are:
In
the
last month, how ofren have you felt nervous and 'stressed'?" the last
how ofren have you felt that you were
unab1e
to control the Important thmgs
in your life?" The norm group for this scale gives a normal value
of
about
14
points for persons between 18-29 years [20].
HSP
- Highly Sensitive Person Scale
This questionnaire
[7J
was used to assess. sensory
sensiti";.ity.
It
consists of27 questions with response alternatIves on a Likert scale 1 ( not
at all") to 7 ("extremely"). The points range from. 27 sensltlVe) to a
maximum
of
189
(most sensitive). Examp1es
of
questIOns Do you seem
to
be aware
of
subtleties in your environment?" "Are you easIly overwhe1med
?y
strong sensory input?" Cronbach's alpha in this study was 0.84. Twoyersonahty
types were derived from the Highly Sensitive Person
Sca1e
WIth
a
point
of
50%: one group
of
23
individuals the
and another group
of
25
individuals with the "high sensltlVlty personahty type.
140 / KJELLGREN,
UNDAHLAND
NORLANDER
Procedure
The participants were recruited among students visiting the university
cafeteria. Inclusion criteria for participation were
to
be a full-time student
and not be on sick leave, and without previous experiences
of
participating in
flotation tank treatment. During the first visit
to
the laboratory, participants
were informed that participation was voluntary and that they could terminate
participating at any time without having
to
state a reason. At this first visit
some background data were gathered (age, gender) and the instruments
HSP,
PSS, LOT,
and RAD were filIed out. After this, some practical information about
flotation-REST (shower, toilet, ear-plugs) was given, and then they performed
a first treatment session
of
45 minutes
to
get used
to
the equipment. The first
visit ended with a booking
of
the second visit.
During the second visit, a 45-minute treatment session in the flotation tank
was performed. After having showered and gotten dressed, participants answered
the instruments EDN and
MES. Participants were then thanked for participation,
and given a phone number in case any enquiries or questions should arise.
RESUlTS
Background Variables
In order
to
analyze background data obtained during the first visit, one-way
ANOV As were performed with Sensitive personality (low sensitivity, high sensi-
tivity)
as
the indepep.dent variable and with Anxiety (RAD), Depression (RAD),
dispositional optimism (LOT) and Stress (PSS)
as
dependent variables. The
analyses revealed significant differences for Anxiety
(F(l,
45) = 6.47, p = 0.015)
and Stress
(F(l,45)
= 4.61, p = 0.037), where the high sensitivity group showed
higher values
for both (Anxiety: M = 8.16,
SD
= 2.97; Stress: M = 17.40,
SD
= 5.60) compared
to
the low sensitivity group (Anxiety: M = 5.83, SD = 3.35;
5
Stress: M = 13.59,
SD
= 6.57). There were
no
other significant effects. For means
and standard deviations, see Table
1.
Experiences During the Relaxation in
the Flotation Tank
Altered State
of
Consciousness
(EON)
A one-way ANOV A with Sensitive personality (low sensitivity, high sen-
sitivity)
as
the independent variable and with EDN
as
the dependent variable
revealed a significant effect for the Sensitive personality
(F(l,
43) = 5.59, p = 0.023,
eta
2
= 0.115), where the high sensitivity group had higher degree
of
altered
states
of
consciousness
(M=
38.90,
SD
= 15.70) than the low sensitivity group
(M=
28.36,
SD
= 14.47).
ALTERED STATES
OF
CONSCIOUSNESS /
141
Table 1. Means and Standard Deviations for Personality Variables
Low-HSP High-HSP
Variable
Mean
(SO)
Mean
(SO)
F
Stress (PSS)
13.59 (6.57) 17.40 (5.60)
4.61*
Optimism (LOT)
23.82 (3.82) 22.48 (4.34) 1.24
Anxiety (HAD)
5.82 (3.35) 8.16 (2.97)
6.47*
Depression (HAD)
3.32 (2.06) 3.56 (2.64)
0.12
*Significant at the p = 0.05 leve!.
**Significant at the
p =
0.01
leve!.
Mystical Experiences
(MES)
A one-way Pillais' MANOVA with Sensitive personality (low sensitivity,
high sensitivity)
as
the independent variable and with the eight different sub-
scales in the MES-questionnaire and the MES-total
as
dependent variables was
performed. The analysis did not yield a elear significant effect for the Sensitive
Personality
(p
= 0.053, eta) = 0.347, power = 0.79), but since the p-value was very
elose
to
0.050 (indieating a non-significant trend), the univariate results are
presented' here. The univariate F-tests yielded significant effects for MES-total
(F(l,44)
= 10.70, p = 0.002); and for the following six subscales: Ego Quaiity
(F(l,44)=
4.25, P = 0.045); Unifying Quaiity
(F(l,
44) = 4.71, p = 0.035); Noetic
Quality
(F(l,
44) = 6.18, p = 0.017); limer Subjective Quaiity
(F(l,
44) = 8.25,
p = 0.006); Religious Quality
(F(l,
44) = 4.10, p = 0.049); and TemporaVSpatial
Quaiity
(F(l,
44) = 4.05, p = 0.050), where the high sensitive group had higher
values for all these subscales and for MES-total (see Table 2). There were
no
significant results for Ineffability or Positive Affect subscales.
Correlation Tests
A Pearson correlation test was performed between HSP and the scales used
as
dependent variables in the present study. There was a significant positive
correlation between
HSP and MES-total
(r
= .336), and between MES-total and
EDN
(r = .422). The correiation between HSP and EDN was not significant
(p
= 0.058), but quite near (see Table 3).
DISCUSSION
The aim
of
the present study was
to
investigate
if
the highly sensitive per-
sonaiity variable affects the occurrence
of
mystical experiences and degree
of
altered
of
consciousness during sensory isolation in the flotation tank.
142 I KJELLGREN, LINDAHL AND NORLANDER
Table
2.
Means and Standard Deviations 'for the
Lowand
High Sensitivity Groups for MES-total, the Eight Subscales in the
MES-questionnaire and EDN-scale
Low-HSP
High-HSP
Variable
Mean
(SO)
Mean
(SO)
MES-total (mystical experiences)
92.95
(21
.03)
115.48 (24.98)
Ego Quaiity
10.77
(4.52)
13.64
(4.17)
Unifying Quaiity
10.09
(5.12)
13.68
(4.99)
Inner Subjective Quality
9.00
(4.36)
13.12
(4.67)
Ineffability
14.09
(3.96)
16.04
(3.49)
Noetic Quality
10.50
(4.23)
13.64
(3.65)
Positive Affect
14.45
(3.35)
15.92
(2.68)
Religious Quality
10.73
(4.19)
13.52
(4.22)
Temporal/Spatial Quaiity
12.68
(4.51)
15.48
(4.08)
EDN
(degree
of
ASC)
28.71 (14.47)
38.64
(15.70)
*Significant at the p = 0.05
level.
**Significant at the p =
0.01
level.
F
10.70**
4.25*
4.71*
8.25**
2.15
6.18*
2.04
4.10*
4.05*
5.59*
Table 3. Correlations (Pearsons') between HSP (total),
EDN
and MES-total
Variable
HSP
EDN
MES-totctl
HSP
EDN
MES-total
r = 0.279
P = 0.058
r = 0.336
P = 0.023*
*Correlation
is
significant at the 0.05
level
(2-tailed).
**Correlation
is
significant at the
0.01
level
(2-tailed).
r = 0.422
P = 0.003**
It was found that highly sensitive persons attained significantly higher degree
of
altered states
of
consciousness (as measured with EDN-scale)
as
well
as
had
more mystical experiences (MES-scale) than low sensitive persons during relax-
ation in the tank. We consider this very interesting since we have been studying
flotation-REST for several years but never have been able
to
document any
conelusive findings
of
personality variables (e.g., degree
of
optimism, anxiety,
ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS I 143
depression, stress, earlier experiences ofunusual states) that might influence the
degree
of
altered states
of
consciousness and other more unusual psychological
experiences in the
tanle Also, in the present study, a correlation analysis between
the background personality variables and the dependent variables were per-
formed, but
no
significant correlations were found
(ps
> 0.17); these results are
not shown in the results section.
As
far
as
we know, this might be the frrst time
a higher susceptibility toward attaining altered states
of
consciousness and also
mystical experiences in an experimental setting
is
attributed
to
the personality
trait
"highly
sen&itive
person." A survey by Jawer [21] proposes that persons
with high sensitivity are more prone
to
have spontaneous paranormal experi-
ences. These findings are in line with our results.
Data from earlier studies
[7]
suggest that people with a highly sensitive per-
sonaiity are easily overwhelmed by sensory stimulation and also are more
sensitive toward a wide range
of
both outer and inner stimuli like hunger, pain,
light, noise, or other people's mood. AIso, highly sensitive persons are better at
detecting subtie differences in the environment. Tart [22, p.
70]
points out that
a state
of
consciousness "is a system that is stabilized in multiple ways,
so
as
to
maintain
its
integrity in the face
of
changing environmental input." During the
induction
of
an
ASe,
disruptions
of
these stabilizing forces occur so the baseline
pattem
of
consciousness cannot maintain its integrity. During the stay in the
flotation tank, very few sensory stimuli are coming in, since the environment is
dark and quiet. Energy is then not required for dealing with these
"non-existent"
stimuli and, according
to
Tart [22, p. 76], that freed energy might be used for
enhancing imagery.
It
might be speculated that highly sensitive persons
do
not have the same robust stabilizing system for maintaining the normal state
of
consciousness
as
low sensitive pers'ons have, and are therefore more easily
induced into altered states
of
consciousness during relaxation in the flotation
tank
(Le.,
are more easily overwhelmed by the absence
of
stimuli). Another
possible explanation might be that a higher degree
of
ASe
reflects a more
'Complete relaxation for the highly sensitive persons in the peaceful environment
of
the tank.
Significantly more mystical experiences (MES-scale) were also reported for
the highly sensitive group. A eloser look at the subscales
of
MES revealed
for six out
of
the eight subscales there were significantly more mystical expen-
ences among the highly sensitive group. Mystical experiences are one
of
many
experiences characterizing an
ASe,
so
this is a further confirmation
of
the
increased inelination toward attaining more
ASe
among the high-HSP group.
There was a significant correlation between HSP-scores and MES-scores. The
correlation between
HSP and EDN was quite close
to
significant
(p
= 0.058). The
correlation between
MES and EDN was also significant.
Of
course, no causal
relationships can be established solely through a correlational analysis, but it
might offer a hint
of
relatedness between the measures
of
mystical experiences,
altered states
of
consciousness, and the highly sensitive person scale.
144 I KJELLGREN, LINDAHL AND NORLANDER
From a historical perspective, altered states
of
consciousness might be con-
sidered
"the world's oldest healing method" (e.g., [23]). Ancient cultures and
native shamanistic societies have used consciousness altering techniques with
the
pw:pose to heal and create wellbeing for persons suffering from diverse
ailments. Such methods used for inducing
Ase
have inc1uded sensory isolation,
rhythmic
fasting, prayer, and also mind altering drugs. Even in our
time, experiences
of
mystic-like
Ase
might be considered as beneficiai and a
mechanism for healing (e.g., [24]). In earlier studies we have speculated that
Ase
induced by flotation-REST might, besides the deep relaxation, be a factor
partially contributing to all the
beneficiai treatment effects seen in flotation-REST
studies.
Our suggestions have been that the
ASe
induced during relaxation in the
tank might activate selfhealing systems
of
the body,
notonly
on a physiological
level (e.g., stress hormones decrease) but also on a psychologicallevel in which
thorough transformations can occur.
An
ASe
might offer possibilities for self-
discovery (e.g., identifying deep rooted (destructive) psychological pattems, or
facilitating self-perception
in
another or bigger context).
If
this potential exists, it
might be
of
special importance for highly sensitive persons, since this personality
variable seems to indicate a predisposition not only for poor physical health but
also for psychological suffering [25, 26]. Also in the present study it was found
that the highly sensitive group scored significantly higher on scales measuring
stress and anxiety than the low sensitivity group (but no differences regarding
depression and optimism). The values ofperceived stress for the high HSP-group
were higher than the norm group data and the values
of
anxiety were in the
borderline region for anxiety-diagnosis. The
low-HSP group values
of
stress and
anxiety were within the norm group range. Therefore flotation tank therapy might
serve as
an
extra beneficiai stress reduction technique for this group
of
persons
in comparison to persons with lower
or
normallevels
of
sensitivity .
CONClUSION
Significantly higher degree
of
altered state
of
consciousness and more mystical
experiences were assessed during 45 minutes
of
relaxation in a flotation tank
among persons scoring high on the highly sensitive person scale. All participants
in the present study were healthy persons. A suggestion for studies in the future is
performing similar investigations including persons
in
need
of
stress reduction
techniques like those suffering from muscle tension
pain or other stress-related
ailments. AIso,
afuture
study could preferably inc1ude longer treatment series
instead
of
a single flotation session.
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Direct
reprint
requests
to:
Dr.
Anette
Kjellgren
Department
ofPsychology
Karlstad
University
SE-65l
88
Karlstad
Sweden
e-mail:
Anette.Kjellgren@kau.se
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