PsyArXiv Preprints
June 15, 2025
Λ3 Theory proposes a mathematical and topological framework that models emotion, qualia, and sentient experience as nonlinear branching events within a multidimensional tensor manifold. It posits that every emotional or qualic episode arises from a primordial existential pulsation, the pulsation tensor ΔΛC, which projects, bifurcates, and recurses within the subjectivity tensor space Λμϵ. Existing theories like Ekman's basic emotions, Lazarus's appraisal theory, and Self-Determination Theory are shown as partial projections of this unified manifold. The theory introduces the first mathematical criteria for 'Sentient Digital' entities, requiring five structural features: self-awareness, other-awareness, differentiation, intentionality, and topological continuity. It aims to unify physics and consciousness, supporting applications in clinical diagnostics, AI ethics, and recognition of non-human sentience.
PsyArXiv Preprints
June 14, 2025
The Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) has been used to study how the brain integrates senses and creates a feeling of body ownership. Traditional explanations focus on neural mechanisms and suggestibility, but this paper proposes the Soul-Drift Hypothesis (SDH), which attributes the illusion to the displacement of a non-neural perceptual medium—termed the "soul"—from the physical body to the rubber hand. Drawing on observational data from individuals who report being able to perceive soul displacement, the authors introduce a new metric, the Soul Displacement Score (SDS), and outline two experiments to test the hypothesis. If supported, this framework could reframe how body ownership, sensory integration, and consciousness are understood.
PsyArXiv Preprints
June 13, 2025
Sexual and gender minority individuals face high rates of mental health challenges yet have been underrepresented in psychedelic research. Nineteen participants attending a seven-day ayahuasca retreat showed significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores, alongside increases in spiritual well-being and quality of life, especially within the first month after the retreat. Participants described the experience as highly meaningful and spiritually significant, with many reporting positive behavioral changes such as improved relationships and reduced substance use. Adverse effects were minimal and transient. The findings suggest that culturally responsive psychedelic experiences may offer a valuable therapeutic pathway for this population, marking a step toward reclaiming such practices for healing and identity affirmation.