Learning from boundlessness: epistemic shifts towards a holistic worldview following psychedelic experiences
Eirini K. Argyri, Flora Fraser, Stefan Schilling, Aline Frick, Oliver Robinson, Leor Roseman, C. J. A. Morgan
npj Mental Health Research January 29, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-026-00186-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 90 |
| Population | Adults who had transformative psychedelic experiences |
| Keywords | Transformative learning Openness to experience Thematic analysis Compassion Scale ratio Social connectedness Natural archaeology Prosocial behavior Epistemology Empathy Reflexivity Interdependence |
| Key points | Recalled awe components (vastness and connectedness) from acute psychedelic experiences were positively associated with perceived self-other overlap, and thematic analysis revealed three clusters of epistemic shift: expanded awareness and openness to complexity, dissolution of boundaries, and increased prosociality and compassion. |
Abstract
Psychedelic substances are increasingly recognized for their potential to catalyse transformative shifts in worldviews. Central to these transformations may be the integration of self-transcendent states. This mixed-methods study explored transformative psychedelic experiences, focussing on subsequent epistemic shifts. Ninety participants completed the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-S), and the Inclusion of Other in Self Scale (IOS) and open-ended questions exploring epistemic changes. The vastness and connectedness components of awe recalled from the acute psychedelic experience were significantly positively associated with perceived self-other overlap post-experience. Thematic Network Analysis revealed three epistemic shift clusters: (1) expanded awareness and openness to complexity, (2) dissolution of societal and natural boundaries, (3) increased prosociality, compassion and acceptance of difference. Together, these patterns suggest that boundary-expanding experiences can promote reflective meaning-making towards more holistic, interconnected frameworks of understanding self, others, and the world. We discuss the potential of psychedelic experiences to foster prosocial and ecologically aware worldviews, and highlight the need for further research to identify culturally attuned resources for supporting the integration of transformative psychedelic experiences.