The Phenomenology of Awe and Self-Transcendence in Psychedelic Virtual Reality

Authors

Jacob Spinks, University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
Kailie Kentopp, University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
Grace Petro, University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
Mia Madrid, University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
David Witherington, University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

3-22-2024

Abstract

This study explores how a virtual reality (VR) program inspired by psychedelics induces emotions related to awe and self-transcendence. Through interviews with fifteen participants after a VR session, three themes emerged, encompassing participants’ various emotional experiences, non-reflective engagements such as awe and meditative-type experience, and reflective engagements including wonder and curiosity. Findings demonstrate how psychedelic VR can induce a range of emotional and self-transcendent experiences, along with insight into the nature of these experiences.

Recommended Citation

Spinks, Jacob; Kailie Kentopp; Grace Petro; Mia Madrid; and David Witherington. "The Phenomenology of Awe and Self-Transcendence in Psychedelic Virtual Reality." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc-bbhrd/160