Transpersonal Ecodelia: Surveying Psychedelically Induced Biophilia
Alexander Irvine, David Luke, Freya Harrild, Sam Gandy, Rosalind Watts
Psychoactives May 25, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives2020012 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPeople who had used psychedelics reported that the experiences strengthened or created a passionate, protective connection with nature. Those already close to nature felt psychedelics re-established and deepened that bond; those without a prior connection said psychedelics helped them form one. Central to these shifts were transpersonal experiences, especially a sense of interconnectedness, which was most often linked to changes in attitudes and behaviors. Participants also noted benefits of having the experience in a natural setting. The findings suggest psychedelics can foster a caring relationship with nature even in people not previously nature-oriented.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 272 |
| Population | Adults reporting previous use of psychedelics |
| Keywords | Social psychology Natural archaeology Thematic analysis Transpersonal psychology Applied psychology |
| Citations | 22 |
| Key finding | Psychedelic experiences can elicit a passionate and protective connection with nature, even among those not previously nature oriented. |
Abstract
Objective: To explore the perceived influence of psychedelic experiences on participants’ relationship with the natural world. Method: A total of 272 participants reporting previous use of psychedelics completed free-text response requests via an online survey. Thematic analysis was used to explore group participant responses. Results: Participants who described a pre-existing relationship with nature reported that psychedelics acted to re-establish and bolster their connection to nature. Those reporting no previously established connection to nature described psychedelics as helping them bond with the natural world. Underlying both of these were reports of transpersonal experiences, of which ‘interconnectedness’ was most frequently linked to shifts in attitudes and behaviours. Participants were also asked to reflect on previous psychedelic experiences that took place in nature and reported a range of benefits of the natural setting. Conclusions: These findings suggest that psychedelics have the capacity to elicit a connection with nature that is passionate and protective, even among those who were not previously nature oriented. More research is needed to explore the potential implications of psychedelic use outside laboratory-controlled settings in order to enhance these important effects.