Frontiers in Psychology
June 24, 2022
Alice Chirico, Marta Pizzolante, Alexandra Kitson et al.
58 citations
Transformative experience (TE) is studied across many disciplines, from philosophy to neurobiology and in domains from spirituality to education, yet no consistent definition exists. This work reviews models and theories of TE from different fields, extracts their main components, and examines redundancies and particularities across domains. It then proposes an integrated theoretical framework and a preliminary interdisciplinary operational definition of TE. This synthesis aims to organize current research and theories, offering a foundation for operationalizing TE and encouraging new interdisciplinary studies.
Frontiers in Digital Humanities
May 22, 2019
Ekaterina R. Stepanova, Denise T. Quesnel, Bernhard E. Riecke
57 citations
Virtual reality can elicit components of the emotion awe and induce minor cognitive shifts in worldview, similar to the Overview Effect astronauts experience when viewing Earth from space. An immersive installation called 'AWE' (Awe-inspiring Wellness Environment) was evaluated. The experience produced some awe-related feelings and small changes in participants' perspectives, though the effects were modest. Key factors influencing the affective experience included perceived safety, personal background, familiarity with the environment, and a small visceral fear reaction as part of the emotional arc. While results support VR's potential as a transformative medium, further design and research iterations are needed to fully explore profound awe-inspiring experiences.
Virtual Creativity
June 1, 2022
Noah Miller, John Desnoyers-Stewart, Ekaterina R. Stepanova et al.
2 citations
An autoethnographic close reading of the virtual reality experience 'Ayahuasca Kosmik Journey' reveals that immersive technology can evoke self-transcendent emotions—such as feelings of vastness and connection—without the use of illegal psychedelic substances like DMT. The analysis highlights the importance of spatial design, sensory engagement, and narrative contrast in generating these effects. It also identifies key psychological dimensions in the experience, including agency, embodiment, discomfort, and self-transcendent emotions. The findings suggest both potential and limitations for VR to simulate aspects of psychedelic ceremonies, extending the power of art and technology to foster self-transcendence.
Frontiers in Psychology
January 1, 2021
Alexandra Kitson, Alice Chirico, Andrea Gaggioli et al.
1 citation
correction
This notice corrects an error in a previously published article. No new findings or arguments are presented.
Frontiers in Psychology
January 1, 2020
Alexandra Kitson, Alice Chirico, Andrea Gaggioli et al.
Self-transcendence involves reduced self-saliency (ego disillusionment) and increased connection, and interest in the topic has grown over the past decade. Several measures with some psychometric validity and reliability exist, but no prior review has systematically described, contrasted, and evaluated the various methodological approaches—including questionnaires, neurological and physiological measures, and qualitative methods. This review fills that gap by describing existing measurement methods, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and suggesting future research directions and recommendations for selecting appropriate methods based on research context.